Dan Quinn’s second season as head coach of the Washington Commanders didn’t go exactly as planned, but that is what happens when your starting quarterback gets injured multiple times during a season. There are other reasons the Commanders’ 2025 season wasn’t great, like blown leads and defensive breakdowns, but the loss of morale when your starting quarterback goes down is palpable.
The Commanders have some serious defensive work to put in during the offseason, and Pro Football Focus thinks they’ll add some secondary help in the 2026 NFL Draft. In their latest mock draft, PFF suggests the Commanders will add a safety.
Washington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Commanders need defensive playmakers, and Caleb Downs fits that profile. He currently sits atop PFF’s Big Board after earning a PFF grade of at least 85.0 in each of his three collegiate seasons while helping lead Alabama and Ohio State to the College Football Playoff. Downs’ instincts and consistency would provide an immediate boost to Washington’s secondary.
Over his three years in college, Downs recorded 256 tackles (163 solo), 10 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and six interceptions. He was part of two different teams that went to the College Football Playoff, and won a National Championship in 2024 withe Buckeyes.
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The Commanders’ secondary struggled last season, especially after Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos were injured. The lack of depth was a visible problem on the field, and Downs has the potential to make an immediate impact. The Commanders won’t lose any safeties in free agency this year, but Downs adds talent, youth, and depth to the roster.
One thing it seems most analysts and outlets can agree on in their mock drafts is that the Commanders will use their first-round pick on the defensive side of the ball. And that’s exactly where they need the most help.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders land OSU star Caleb Downs in new PFF mock draft