Dan Quinn
Getty
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn watches on during a November 2, 2025 game.
Washington Commanders‘ new defensive coordinator, Daronte Lee, remains a proponent and supporter of strong secondary play. Likewise, head coach Dan Quinn, who rode the efforts of a safety to a Super Bowl, understands the importance. As a result, he may require the back end to play a more profound role in his defense.
Under those circumstances, the team could opt for immediate help back there. ESPN writer Jordan Reid believes that Washington will choose a defensive back with the No. 7 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Reid set his sights on one in particular, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
“Downs is one of the smartest football players I’ve ever studied. His football IQ, versatility on the back end, and sure tackling ability make him a worthy selection at this spot even though a safety hasn’t been drafted in the top 10 since 2017 (Jamal Adams).
While comparing Downs to Jamal Adams may not be the win that Reid envisions, it displays a larger pattern at work. Teams do not draft safeties high in the first round. While quarterback stays as the top priority for bad teams, the back end goes unnoticed until after No. 10. The Commanders do not need to worry about a quarterback.
Caleb Downs 68-tackle, two-interception, two-forced-fumble season in 2025.pic.twitter.com/lTRvRlRdXp
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) March 1, 2026
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Versatility in a safety cannot go unnoticed. According to Pro Football Focus, Downs lined up at five different spots along the defense. (Edge, Box Corner, Slot Corner, Wide Corner, and Free Safety). That, in itself, could spur Lee to push for Downs to wear the burgundy and gold.
Reid mentioned intelligence. Unlike some spots on the field, Reid cannot exist in a world where “see ball, hit ball” becomes his mantra. Instead, he scans the field, looking for tells. For instance, some receivers will trace the route with their eyes before the snap. Film study can also show those who will run patterns in different ways. For example, if the play calls for a cut at the top of the route, wideouts will exaggerate their lead step. Downs can read this and notice.
Caleb Downs
GettyCaleb Downs readies himself during a November 22, 2025 game.
Downs Would Help Stop the Bleeding
Last year, the Commanders surrendered 32 passing touchdowns. The secondary appeared a step slow, late, or confused. Reid asserts that Downs can stem the tide.
“Washington gave up a lot of explosive passing plays last season, with opponents averaging 8.1 yards per attempt (third worst in the NFL). The Commanders also had a mere eight interceptions in 2025, which was the fourth worst in the league. Downs could help them improve in both areas.”
Caleb Downs
GettyCaleb Downs picks off a pass against Penn State on November 1, 2025.
History Repeats Itself in the Nation’s Capital?
In 2010, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Earl Thomas with the No. 14 overall pick. Thomas played an instinctive brand of safety that allowed him to play in the slot and the box without sacrificing much effectiveness. Three years later, Thomas’ 105 tackles and five interceptions helped Seattle to its first championship.
Seahawks safety Earl Thomas scored a touchdown but then hugged the ref to celebrate.
Any touching of the ref is a penalty, even in celebration 🤣pic.twitter.com/wNGcKtRIec
— Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) July 9, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
“He is absolutely one of my all-time favorite competitors.”
Those were the words of Quinn, Thomas’s former coordinator. If the Commanders can use free agency to handle other defensive holes. Washington could see its best safety play in over a decade.