Commanders would reportedly pass on Ohio State star if he falls

We are one week away from the 2026 NFL Draft. Who will the Washington Commanders pick with the No. 7 overall pick? That's a mystery, much of which stems from Washington's lack of control over it. The good news is that the Commanders will be able to land a high-quality player at a position of need.

Washington has visited with most of the top prospects in this class, many of whom play different positions. The Commanders' busy free agency period allows GM Adam Peters to focus on the best player available instead of forcing the pick at a position of need.

Many mock drafts have focused on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, or LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. There's a good chance at least two of these players will be available when Washington goes on the clock.

But what if the Commanders aren't interested in one of those players?

In his latest draft intel for Essentially Sports, NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline revealed that Washington would not take Downs if he made it to them at No. 7. Here's his explanation:

Most believe the team will not take Caleb Downs if the Ohio State safety is available to them. The team signed Nick Cross in free agency and still believes in Jartavius Martin despite a disappointing 2025 season. Those inside the building feel Martin’s upside is incredible and believe he can right the ship.

This is a bit shocking for multiple reasons. For one, Downs is a player many consider the top overall in the class. However, positional value could keep him from going as high as his talent suggests. Safety isn't considered a premium position in the NFL. However, Downs is not only an elite talent but a student of the game, who could be a green-dot player on Day 1 in the NFL.

Washington does have safeties on the roster. Quan Martin, newly signed Nick Cross, Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, and Robert McDaniel are on the current 90-man roster. But most shockingly, Pauline's revelation about the Commanders' confidence in Martin.

Martin was bad in 2025. His regression, as well as Mike Sainristil and Frankie Luvu's regression, was one of the top stories last season. But with new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, everyone gets a clean slate. When he was hired, Jones spoke glowingly about Martin. Before last season, former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said he believed Martin could become one of the NFL's best safeties. Clearly, Peters and head coach Dan Quinn remain firm in their belief in Martin.

It will be interesting to see if the Commanders would actually pass on Downs if he falls in their laps at No. 7.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL draft: Commanders to reportedly pass on Ohio State S Caleb Downs