Holding the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders will have an opportunity to add an impact player to their roster. That is unless, Washington decides to make a trade.
They are a bit depleted in draft capital after their Laremy Tunsil trade. Which is why if safety Caleb Downs or running back Jeremiah Love aren’t on the board, ESPN’s Ben Solak is encouraging the Commanders to trade back.
“If neither Caleb Downs nor Jeremiyah Love make it to No. 7, the Commanders should trade back,” Solak wrote. “They’re missing both their second- and fourth-round picks as a result of the Laremy Tunsil trade, and they have more needs than their first two picks can address.”
The Commanders did sign running backs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency. However, Love gives Washington a long-term option at the position. Furthermore, he is considered far and away the best running back prospect in the class and may be selected within the top five.
Over his 41 games at Notre Dame, Love ran for 2,882 yards and 36 touchdowns. He added another 63 grabs for 594 yards and six touchdowns. Love was named a Unanimous All-American and the Doak Walker winner in 2025
On the flip side, Downs is considered one of the best defensive players in the class. His role at safety has altered his draft positioning a bit among pundits. But there’s no denying that game breaking ability Downs brings to the gridiron.
Through his 44 games at Ohio State, Downs posted 257 tackles, 12 passes defended and six interceptions. He had two picks all three years on campus. Furthermore, Downs won a national championship with the Buckeyes in 2024 before being named a Unanimous All-American alongside winning the Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award in 2025.
Washington certainly won’t be the only team interested in both players. But if neither is available, Washington must consider their options.
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