It's almost a foregone conclusion that the Washington Commanders will select a defensive player with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington's defense was terrible in each of the last two seasons, and it must add talent to that side of the ball this offseason. The work begins in March, when free agency begins.
While you can never rule out an offensive playmaker in the draft, Washington's hiring of defensive coordinator Daronte Jones makes things much more interesting. Jones' history is coaching defensive backs. Washington's secondary was one of the team's weakest units in 2025. The Commanders are counting on Jones to help players like Mike Sainristil and Quan Martin. Both regressed badly in 2025 after impressive 2024 seasons.
But what Washington really needs is a difference-making defensive back. There's only one in the draft: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Some draft analysts believe Downs could be the best player in the upcoming draft. Safeties don't generally have the same positional value as other positions, such as cornerback, but Downs is different. He can play deep safety, line up over the slot, or play in the box. He doesn't miss tackles, and he's the type of player that offensive coaches will game plan against. Currently, the Commanders have none of those players on defense, especially in the secondary.
Jones also places a high value on safety play. Potential future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith has excelled during the latter years of his career playing for Jones. He's credited Jones for putting in the extra work in the film room.
Jones also teaches turnovers: "You're not getting paid if you don't touch the ball."
I interviewed new #Commanders DC Daronte Jones last year on NFL Spotlight:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 27, 2026
"I always tell players — especially defensive backs — they all want to get paid. 'Well you're not getting paid if you don't touch the ball.'"
Full ‘NFL Spotlight’ interview here: https://t.co/JzvmkR1uFBhttps://t.co/wj5S6znBWkpic.twitter.com/CJvkBw0Wzx
Defensive backs under Jones must be versatile and tackle well. There isn't a more versatile defender in the upcoming draft than Downs. Downs isn't the type of player you just draft because he's talented. You'd better have a plan for him. If you have a plan for him, he has perennial All-Pro potential. Jones has a plan for each of his defensive backs. Veteran players have turned their careers around playing for Jones.
If we are to judge Jones based on Brian Flores in Minnesota, he will blitz a lot. Downs would thrive in this role. Jones depends on his defensive backs to trust what they see and always play fast. That's not what we've seen from the Commanders' secondary in recent years.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Does Daronte Jones mean Caleb Downs is coming?
