"For all of the Washington Commanders' struggles in 2025, perhaps no positional group underwhelmed more than the team's safeties. Quan Martin was an expected breakout candidate, and instead badly regressed. Free agency signing Will Harris missed considerable time with an injury and was unremarkable when he played. That makes safety a top position of need for Washington in the 2026 NFL Draft, and thankfully, there's a blue-chip prospect who could be available with the No. 7 overall pick: Ohio State's Caleb Downs."
"Positives: - Versatile athlete who can play strong or free safety, has even lined up at nickel cornerback. - Excellent tackler, form described as "disciplined" and "controlled" with very few missed tackles. - Great awareness and anticipation, able to deceive opposing quarterbacks at an elite level. - Brings strong on- and off-field leadership skills to the table, teammates respond to him and feed off of his energy."
Washington's safeties were a significant weakness in 2025, with Quan Martin regressing and free-agent Will Harris missing time and offering limited impact. Safety is a top draft need for Washington entering 2026. Caleb Downs from Ohio State offers 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 12 pass deflections and three forced fumbles, plus two All-America honors and a top-10 Heisman finish. Downs can play strong or free safety and nickel, tackles with disciplined, controlled form, and shows elite awareness and leadership. Limitations include overaggressiveness as a hitter, vulnerability on crossing routes in zone coverage, and size concerns in pass-rush matchups. He is frequently compared to Eric Berry and projects as a top-10 pick.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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