The Washington Commanders could go a number of ways in the 2026 NFL Draft. GM Adam Peters used free agency as a way to fill multiple holes, particularly on defense. And while several positions got better, no position is necessarily off limits when Washington goes on the clock at No. 7 overall.
Picking seventh, mock drafts have been all over the place for the Commanders. For one, it’s an unpredictable draft at the top outside of quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Secondly, Washington is at the mercy of the six teams picking before them.
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In a new three-round mock draft for ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr., Jordan Reid, Field Yates and Matt Miller took turns rotating picks. When the Commanders were on the clock at No. 7 overall, Reid made Washington’s pick: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
The instincts and versatility of Downs would immediately help a Washington defense that gave up an average of 8.1 yards per pass attempt last season (third worst in the NFL). He is a consistent tackler with great ball skills.
The Commanders couldn’t go wrong here. Downs is an elite talent and a Day 1 impact player. Downs does everything well, and his football intelligence is off the charts. But would Washington go with Downs here, considering his college teammates Carnell Tate and Sonny Styles were also available?
The Commanders signed Nick Cross in free agency and have several safeties under contract. While none of them are at Downs’ level, the need at wide receiver or mike linebacker could be greater.
Washington doesn’t have a second-round pick, so at pick No. 71, Reid sends Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst to the Commanders.
Hurst matches perfectly with the consistent deep throwing of quarterback Jayden Daniels and could boost a Washington passing game that lacked explosive plays in 2025.
Hurst is 6-foot-4, 206 pounds, and ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. He was productive at both Valdosta State and Georgia State and opened plenty of eyes during Senior Bowl week. The question is how quickly Hurst will adjust to a massive step up in competition.
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With these two picks, the Commanders land a potential Pro Bowl safety and a toolsy wide receiver who would not feel the pressure to start in 2026. Not bad.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders land Caleb Downs and a WR in new ESPN mock draft