New Caleb Downs Rumors on Commanders Links, Projected 'Floor' Landing Spot In 2026 NFL Draft

The Washington Commanders hosted Ohio State safety Caleb Downs on a pre-draft visit "this week," according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Per Schultz, teams near the top of the draft order believe that Downs' "floor" landing spot is the Commanders and it "wouldn't be a surprise if he goes earlier."

Washington owns the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Downs is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign with the Buckeyes, as he earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts. He also won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top defensive back.

In 14 games last season, Downs racked up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack.

He was projected to be off the board with the No. 5 overall pick in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Daniel Harms compared Downs to five-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry in his scouting report.

"Caleb Downs is the single best prospect for the 2026 draft cycle," Harms wrote. "With his experience in Matt Patricia's defense, he's going to hit the ground running for whatever NFL team drafts him."

If the 21-year-old falls to No. 7 on draft night, it isn't difficult to imagine the him becoming a key piece of new Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' system as a rookie.

Washington struggled defensively last season, ranking No. 27 among all teams by allowing 26.5 points per game.

Still, Downs may not be available when the Commanders are on the clock.