NFC East rivalries date back decades. They are heated, bitter, and everything in between. And the Washington Commanders have the chance to strike a body blow to one of their division adversaries with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Nobody, including general manager Adam Peters, knows for sure how things are going to play out after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1. It'll be volatile and unpredictable, with plenty of smoke and no concrete direction right now.
Caleb Downs is one of the more polarizing names. The safety is an elite-level talent, but positional value and the financial ramifications of a top-10 pick could mean he slides a little lower than his talent warrants. Even though one insider didn't think he would land in Washington, it would be surprising if the Ohio State prospect wasn't on the shortlist.
Commanders could quickly end Cowboys' dreams of landing Caleb Downs
That would not sit well with the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Trotta of The Landry Hat had Downs at No. 1 on his big board of targets for Washington's hated rival. He felt taking him was a no-brainer if he slides, but the Commanders could end that ambition before it gets the chance to gain steam at No. 7.
"Signing Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke should not stop the Cowboys from drafting [Caleb] Downs if he slides to No. 12. Arguably the best player in the 2026 class, Downs is an interchangeable safety who Christian Parker could trust in the nickel, over the top, and down near the line of scrimmage. It'd be like drafting Darren Woodson all over again. That turned out pretty well."
The Commanders won't just take Downs because it would harm the Cowboys' ambitions; it's an added bonus. Having conviction in the prospect is much more important, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it will be in plentiful supply when Washington goes on the clock.
Downs is the best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton, and some experts believe he could be better. There is nothing he doesn't do well. In a draft where there are very few blue-chip prospects and even fewer sure things, the positional value shouldn't really come into the equation where the Buckeyes' star is concerned.
His on-field production is exemplary. Downs has also reportedly blown everyone away throughout the assessment phase, showcasing his exceptional football intelligence, knowledge of schematic concepts, leadership, and work ethic. He ticks every single box, so the Commanders could do far worse than look in his direction if he is still around.
Of course, Downs could go in the top five. Speculation is growing that the Cowboys will make a move up to draft someone like Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese. But if they zero in on the do-it-all defensive back, the Commanders can end their dreams in a heartbeat.
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