2026 NFL mock draft has the Washington Commanders selecting defensive superstar in the first round

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 3:51 PM ET

The season isn't over for the Washington Commanders, but it's never too early to start thinking ahead with so many roster holes being exposed this season.

It hasn't been the start that people have expected for this team, and injuries have been a major factor as well. The defense has been the biggest liability, however, and drastic changes need to be made when the season ends.

The college football season has been in full swing and chaotic, and mock drafts are flying off the press at a high rate. The NFL draft team at A to Z Sports put together a two-round mock draft that includes the Commanders selecting a franchise-changing player on defense in the first round.

Commanders Pick 12: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Commanders are 3-5, and well on their way to land a top-15 pick with the third-hardest remaining schedule this season. Defense needs to be a priority, and they can capitalize on position value by selecting one of the top players of the draft at pick 12. A to Z Sports' own Joe DeLeone has the Commanders getting the steal of the draft with safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State.

"Downs has remained one of the highest-floor prospects in this class. While his role in the NFL will require creativity, Dan Quinn feels like the right coach to unlock it. Downs has the instincts and range to play in multiple roles on a defense that desperately needs youth." - Joe DeLeone, A to Z Sports NFL Draft

#OhioState S Caleb Downs (6-0, 205)

The ultimate equalizer. Can matchup in man and has excellent zone instincts. Plays balanced and violent on arrival. Consistent open field tackler. pic.twitter.com/MG6V9Ka8nJ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 20, 2025

Caleb Downs is a steal and a playmaker on defense

Downs is undoubtedly a top-5 talent in the draft, but we see safeties slide every single draft cycle. He would be an instant upgrade and fix so many problems in the secondary, including coverage ability and IQ, and all of the missed tackles we've seen this year. Downs is the type of blue-chip prospect that has the highest floor possible with an All-Pro type of ceiling to go with it. This is the kind of player coaches dream of getting.

He isn't just a safety that plays deep, and a lot of his best plays are actually in traffic doing the dirty work, and laying out hard hits after the catch.

Caleb Downs is the best defensive player in the nation.pic.twitter.com/18nWGQGcYx
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 15, 2025

The Commanders need players who can change the game and have an instant impact, and that's exactly who Downs is. The defense has to be a top priority in free agency and the NFL draft, and the Commanders only have six picks to work with. Hitting with their first round pick is a must this season, and Downs would be a future All-Pro for the Commanders.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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