NFL draft decision could impact Commanders

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They could've been as high as the fifth overall pick, but defeated the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

The Commanders could look in a number of directions in April's draft. You can cross quarterback off the list. You can probably take offensive line off the list, too. However, everything else is on the table.

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On Wednesday, a major NFL draft decision was made when Ohio State junior safety Caleb Downs announced his intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 21-year-old Downs began his career at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, where he played the last two seasons. Downs is a former SEC Freshman of the Year and a two-time All-American. He's also a national champion.

Downs is a phenomenal player. While there are questions about how high you should draft a safety, you throw all of those concerns out the window with Downs. He does everything. Downs has the athleticism of a corner, the power of a linebacker and recognizes and understands route concepts. He's a Day 1 plug-and-play starter at safety.

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Safeties are often one-dimensional. Not Downs. He can cover. He can hit. He's a great leader and communicator. You could make the case that Downs is the best overall talent in the 2026 draft, and few would argue.

If Downs is on the board at No. 7 when Washington picks, it would be a terrific pick. The Commanders need safety help. Could you imagine Downs in the secondary? He would immediately transform a struggling unit.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Ohio State S Caleb Downs declares for NFL draft