"Caleb Downs would enter the Commanders with a level of expectation rarely attached to the safety position. The comparison is unavoidable and well-earned, as he would be the most naturally gifted safety to wear a Washington uniform since Sean Taylor in the mid-2000s. Downs plays the game with rare clarity and controlled violence. He tackles everything that moves and arrives with intent, but what separates him is how many roles he can fill without compromising structure."
"The Ohio State prospect can play single-high safety and erase mistakes. He can drop into the slot to neutralize wide receivers and tight ends. He can also attack the fringe areas and shut down perimeter run concepts before they develop. Ohio State asked him to do everything, and Downs handled it without looking overstretched. His ball production matches the film. His range shows up snap after snap. He's a flat-out impact player from the moment he steps onto NFL-branded turf."
Adam Peters enters the 2026 NFL Draft with only six total selections, creating urgency around every pick and placing Washington at No. 7 overall. Limited draft capital sharpens top-of-board decisions and elevates the need for a foundational defensive impact player. The quarterback position has direction, while the roster requires a defender who alters how opponents game plan. The team must decide whether to stay, trade back for volume, or maneuver around the board. One standout candidate is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a versatile, violent tackler with range, ball production, and multi-role capability.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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