The Washington Commanders are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while the locker room still echoes with talk of unity and brotherhood, change is coming-and it’s coming fast. This roster is about to get a serious shakeup, and the 2026 NFL Draft will be the first domino to fall.
With limited picks in hand but a likely premium selection at the top of the board, general manager Adam Peters is staring down a critical decision. Do the Commanders trade back and stockpile assets, or do they swing big and land a franchise-altering talent? In one recent mock draft, they do the latter-and the ripple effects could be felt immediately across the defensive backfield.
A Clear Message to Quan Martin?
In a 2026 mock draft projection, the Commanders are pegged to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs-a name that’s been rising up draft boards for good reason. Downs is widely viewed as one of the safest, most complete defensive prospects in this class. He’s the kind of player who doesn't just fill a hole-he transforms a defense.
If this scenario plays out, it sends a not-so-subtle message to third-year safety Quan Martin, whose grip on a starting role heading into 2026 is already tenuous. Martin was expected to take a leap this season, and while there have been flashes, the consistency just hasn’t been there. With his rookie deal set to expire after next season, the timing couldn't be more telling.
Why Caleb Downs Makes Sense
Let’s talk about what makes Downs such a compelling pick. He’s a do-it-all safety with elite instincts, range, and physicality.
Whether he’s dropping back in deep coverage, crashing down to stop the run, playing the nickel, or even blitzing off the edge, Downs brings a relentless motor and high football IQ to every snap. He’s the kind of player defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could unleash in a variety of ways, and that versatility would be a game-changer for a defense that’s struggled to find its identity.
The Commanders' secondary has been a weak spot all season. The unit has lacked cohesion and playmaking, and the absence of a true field general on the back end has been glaring. Downs could step in and immediately bring stability, leadership, and, most importantly, impact plays.
The Jeremy Chinn Factor
It’s hard not to look back at free agency and wonder what could’ve been. Letting Jeremy Chinn walk to the Raiders may go down as one of Peters’ more regrettable decisions in his second offseason at the helm.
Chinn’s unique blend of size, speed, and versatility is exactly what this defense has been missing. While that ship has sailed, drafting Downs would be a chance to right that wrong-and potentially upgrade in the process.
No Room for Sentiment
If the Commanders do go with Downs, it won’t just be about adding talent-it’ll be about sending a message. After a season that started with promise and ended in disappointment, this front office can’t afford to make decisions based on potential or past investment.
It’s about production. It’s about fit.
And it’s about building a defense that can actually hold up in today’s NFL.
That could spell trouble for Martin, who now finds himself at a crossroads. The clock is ticking on his rookie deal, and if Washington brings in a player like Downs, the writing may be on the wall.
The Commanders are in reset mode, and the 2026 draft is their chance to lay the foundation for something new. If Caleb Downs is the pick, fans can expect a new tone on defense-one built around physicality, versatility, and accountability. And for players on the bubble, that means the pressure is officially on.