Commanders First Round Pick Feels Obvious In Latest Mock Draft

There’s always that anticipation when the NFL Draft gets close. It’s the constant “wait and see” and “what are they going to do?” as fans try to figure out who their team will add to the roster.

But ESPN switched things up with its recent three-round rotating mock draft. Instead of just predicting what teams will do, analysts leaned into what teams should do. They stepped into the general manager role, drafting based on their own evaluations and team philosophy, not just trends or projections. And when it came to Washington, it is no surprise where they looked for help.

With the No. 7 overall pick, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid made it clear that defense is still a priority. The Commanders have already been working to reshape that side of the ball, and Reid’s pick fits right into that direction with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

A Fix for the Secondary

A lot of mocks have Washington going offensive line, edge, or wide receiver, but this pick addresses one of their issues. Last season, the Commanders’ secondary struggled, allowing 8.1 yards per pass attempt, putting them near the bottom of the league.

That is where Downs comes in. He is the type of player who can clean things up on the back end. At Ohio State, he has shown strong instincts that allow him to read plays early and close space quickly, along with the versatility to play deep or step up and support the run. He is also a reliable tackler, which helps limit extra yards and prevent small gains from turning into big plays. Those are the kinds of traits Washington has been missing.

This was not about trading back or stacking picks. It was about taking someone who can make a difference. And in this type of mock, Downs is viewed as exactly that, a player who can step in and immediately impact a unit that needs it while also fitting into the long-term vision of the defense.

Finding a Vertical Threat

While the first round was about adding to the defense, Jordan Reid’s third-round pick at No. 71 shifts the focus to helping quarterback Jayden Daniels, especially since the Commanders do not have a second-round pick. He has Washington selecting Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst.

Last season, Washington’s passing game felt stagnant at times. There wasn’t that true vertical threat to stretch the field, which made things easier on opposing secondaries. Adding a player like Hurst could help change that and give Daniels a target who can open things up downfield.

Georgia State Panthers wide receiver Ted Hurst (16) | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Looking to the Draft

As the draft gets closer, the question will stick. Do the Commanders go with one of those premium positions like offensive tackle or wide receiver, or do they focus on taking the best player available?

If you ask ESPN’s analysts, passing on someone like Caleb Downs might not be the move Washington can afford to make.