The Washington Commanders have made significant personnel changes this offseason. And with the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, several veterans who were part of the squad last season will be anxiously awaiting the upcoming decisions from general manager Adam Peters.
No fewer than 15 new signings have been made by the Commanders in free agency. Peters left no stone unturned, and there is still plenty of salary-cap space remaining for additional acquisitions. But first, the front-office leader is focusing his attention on the latest batch of recruits emerging from the college ranks.
Will Harris could see his status plummet. The veteran safety didn't do much to encourage fans last season. An early injury dented whatever slender momentum he was able to generate, and things spiraled after that.
Commanders' draft decision could have a massive impact on Will Harris
Even when he got back into the lineup, something was missing. And the Commanders need a legitimate, tone-setting communicator on the back end of their defense.
Much will depend on what the Commanders do with the No. 7 pick. Linebacker Sonny Styles and running back Jeremiyah Love are hot names, though they may not be on the board when Washington goes on the clock. Caleb Downs should be, which presents an intriguing decision for Peters when push comes to shove.
Downs has everything the Commanders' defense is looking for. He's not your typical safety. He's part of an evolving trend of versatile defensive backs who thrive in all areas of the secondary. His football IQ is absolutely off the charts, and his production at Ohio State speaks for itself.
Positional value may not come into the equation in this draft. It's not considered the most enticing, with very few blue-chip prospects. Downs is arguably the best overall prospect in this class, and if the Commanders take him, Harris is going to fall further down the pecking order.
Washington signed Nick Cross as their box safety, capable of impacting proceedings closer to the line of scrimmage. Downs is an on-field general with genuine three-level capabilities and franchise cornerstone potential. That would be an exceptional pairing, but it might leave Harris on the outside looking in.
The Commanders cannot afford to settle. Harris didn't show enough last season to stand pat. Downs would be cheaper with 10-year starter upside. Peters has made a concerted effort to get faster and more explosive this offseason. If he believes taking the Buckeyes' standout is the right thing to do, he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.
If that means Harris' feelings are hurt, so be it. But the time for half-measures is over.