Bucky Brooks has been cited as favoring Downs, suggesting that an “A level” safety like Downs could alter games more than Delane, whose impact at the line of scrimmage may not match a top-tier safety’s influence in the middle of the field. The argument emphasizes the value of a playmaking safety in Washington’s rotation and its potential to generate splash plays from the backend.
Supporters of Delane highlight his elite talent and the immediate upside of adding a true shutdown corner to a defense that has eyed cornerback versatility. They point to the Commanders’ recent moves—such as acquiring additional corner depth as signs that the team can bolster the secondary without compromising the chance to land a dynamic, patient playmaker in the safety position.
The debate extends to the Commanders’ current personnel, including Nick Cross and Kamren Curl, and how a new defensive coordinator might deploy a hybrid look that leverages Downs’ middle-field range or Delane’s man-coverage lockdown ability. Some analysts see Downs as better suited to Jones’ scheme, which could value a safeties-first approach that can also disrupt the run and support the box.
Beyond the immediate draft fit, Downs’ agility and deep-field range offer potential long-term gains in Washington’s defensive philosophy, while Delane represents a high-end asset who could redefine cornerback play on early downs. The choice may hinge on how the Commanders prioritize pressure, run-stopping versatility, and the balance between a guaranteed coverage staple and a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.
As the draft approaches, the Commanders’ decision remains a nuanced trade-off between locking down a premier corner and adding a versatile safety capable of transforming the secondary’s ceiling. With both options offering distinct paths to improved pass defense, the team’s strategy will reflect its broader assessment of positional value in a evolving NFL landscape.
