With exactly one week until the 2026 NFL Draft begins, one NFL analyst takes a look at whether it's likely the Washington Commanders draft safety Caleb Downs, running back Jeremiyah Love
One week from today marks the start of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with all eyes on which direction the Washington Commanders will go. And the latest reporting points to several directions still available for general manager Adam Peters and the front office, yet it's clear one prospect remains one the Commanders are in love with.
Days after Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Commanders are viewed to be the floor for running back Jeremiyah Love, Tony Pauline added that Washington "loves Love."
The question will be whether the feature back will be available when it comes time for the Commanders to make the pick. Both the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants have drawn intrigue as a potential landing spot with the fourth and fifth picks, potentially taking the question off the board after all. Love could be the final piece to assemble what could be Washington's strongest running back room in years, but all eyes remain on the potential of adding the former Heisman candidate.
The news came one day after The Athletic also projected Love to DC in their updated seven round mock draft.
Yet there are other positional needs for Washington with Pauline adding that edge rusher, wide receiver and cornerback remain in play.
Washington has done its due diligence on wide receivers, whether it be first round candidates like Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon or possible day two guys like Chris Brazzell II, who surfaced as a name to know earlier this week. Former LSU cornerback and DMV native Mansoor Delane was also among the over dozen attendees for Washington's top 30 visit hosted at Top Golf, giving the Commanders a close look at what could be a true top talent at a position in dire need of it.
One prospect who might not be realistic for Washington? Former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who Pouline pointed to as likely not in play even if available. Washington has already inked Nick Cross to upgrade the room, while Pouline pointed to Quan Martin as one the staff still believes in due to his upside.
"You look at a Quan Martin, who I know evaluating him, coming out, we were like, 'hey is he a safety? Is he a nickel? Is he a corner? That's Another guy who has versatility," defensive coordinator Daronte Jones said during his introductory press conference.
Whether that proves to actually materialize will be the next question for Martin, who finished one tackle shy of recording his first 100 tackle season.