After a rough 2025 season that exposed several weak spots on the roster, the Washington Commanders head into the 2026 NFL Draft with one position group standing out as a glaring need: safety. The back end of the defense struggled all year, and not in a quiet way. Quan Martin, once viewed as a breakout candidate, took a significant step backward, while free-agent addition Will Harris battled injuries and failed to make a real impact when he was on the field.
That sets the stage for Washington to potentially address the issue in a big way with the No. 7 overall pick-and if Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is still on the board, he might just be the perfect solution.
Meet Caleb Downs: A Swiss Army Knife in the Secondary
Caleb Downs isn’t just another safety prospect-he’s the kind of player who changes the temperature of a defense the moment he steps on the field. At 6'0", 205 pounds, with an expected 40-yard dash time of 4.45, Downs brings a rare blend of size, speed, and football IQ. He was a 5-star recruit and the top-ranked safety in his class coming out of high school, and he’s lived up to every bit of that hype at the collegiate level.
In terms of production, Downs has done it all: 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 12 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. He’s a two-time All-American and even cracked the top 10 in Heisman voting in 2025-an almost unheard-of feat for a defensive back.
That kind of résumé doesn’t just happen. It’s built on consistency, instincts, and a motor that never shuts off.
What Makes Downs Special?
Downs’ versatility is what jumps off the tape first. He’s lined up at strong safety, free safety, and even played snaps at nickel corner. That kind of flexibility gives defensive coordinators the freedom to disguise coverages and get creative with how they deploy him.
He’s a fundamentally sound tackler-described as “disciplined” and “controlled”-and rarely misses. That’s a big deal for a Washington defense that struggled with missed tackles and blown assignments in 2025. Downs brings a level of reliability that’s hard to find in young DBs.
But what really sets him apart is his football IQ. He reads quarterbacks like a seasoned vet, often baiting them into throws that he’s already breaking on. His anticipation is elite, and he plays with a savvy that’s well beyond his years.
Teammates gravitate toward him, too. He’s a vocal leader who sets the tone both in the locker room and on the field. For a Commanders team looking to establish a new identity under GM Adam Peters, that kind of presence could be invaluable.
Where He’ll Need to Grow
No prospect is perfect, and Downs is no exception. He can get overzealous at times, hunting for the highlight-reel hit instead of wrapping up. That aggressiveness, while sometimes a strength, can also lead to missed opportunities or penalties.
In zone coverage, particularly on crossing routes, he’s been caught out of position more than once. That’s an area where he’ll need to tighten things up, especially at the NFL level where offensive coordinators are quick to exploit even the smallest weakness.
He also doesn’t match up well physically against offensive linemen when asked to blitz or play near the line in pass-rush situations. He’s not going to bull-rush a guard or take on a pulling tackle and win. That’s not his game-and that’s okay, as long as he’s used the right way.
NFL Comparison: Eric Berry
The name that comes up most often when scouts talk about Caleb Downs? Eric Berry. And that’s not a comparison anyone throws around lightly.
Like Berry, Downs is a do-it-all safety with elite instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and the ability to lead a defense. He’s also drawn comparisons to Derwin James, Budda Baker, and Kyle Hamilton-but Berry feels like the closest match in terms of skill set and impact potential.
Berry went No. 5 overall to the Chiefs back in 2010, and that’s right around where Downs is expected to land. The top of the draft is always fluid, and team needs will shuffle the board, but most projections have Downs going somewhere between picks 7 and 10.
The Fit in Washington
If Downs is still available when the Commanders are on the clock at No. 7, it’s hard to imagine a better fit. Washington needs a tone-setter in the secondary, someone who can clean up mistakes, make splash plays, and bring leadership to a young defense trying to find its footing.
GM Adam Peters has made it clear he’s building this team with a long-term vision. Drafting a player like Downs wouldn’t just fill a need-it would be a foundational move. He’s the kind of talent you build around, not just plug in.
There’s still plenty of time between now and late April, and a lot can change in the pre-draft process. But as things stand, Caleb Downs looks like a top-10 lock-and if Washington wants to stabilize its secondary and inject some serious playmaking ability into the defense, he’s the name to watch.