The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

The Washington Commanders' "Drive to the Draft" podcast has spent the last month ranking each position in the 2026 NFL Draft. Safety is a possibility for the Commanders throughout the draft, and co-hosts Logan Paulsen and Jason Johnson broke down their best players at the position.

6. Bud Clark, TCU

• Analysis: "There's not a lot to dislike about Bud Clark. He produces the football with interceptions—I think he's got 15 over the course of his career. He's got great range and excellent coverage skills. With his movement, Clark is all fluid—it's exactly what you want to see. He's got great instincts for the football and is a willing tackler. The reason he isn't significantly higher is that he's been banged up with injuries."

5. Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma

• Analysis: "I feel like he can do anything on the football field, which is why he's so high for me. There are some inconsistencies, but his run defense really pops. I'm not saying he's a perfect coverage player, but you see the raw horsepower. When I see how he tackles in the run game, how he defeats blocks, and how he can cover in man-to-man situations, I don't understand why people aren't higher on him. I think he has all the fundamental traits you want."

4. Treydan Stukes, Arizona

• Analysis: "I did not know who this guy was, but then you turn on the film against Cincinnati, and he's all over the field. He ran a 4.31 at the combine, and it shows up on film—he's running people down. His range as a post player is excellent, and his man coverage skills are very good. The thing that jumped out most to me on tape was his physicality as an attacker. He's not a big guy, but man, can he scoot. He tracks the football well—he's special."

3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

• Analysis: "He reminded me a lot of Kam Curl. What I mean by that is he's got this nice movement dexterity to him. He can play the post, and he can play near the line of scrimmage. He's physical, and there is some rawness in the angles he takes in coverage and against the run. I'm banking on that improving since he's coming from a small school. The tackling is good, the physicality near the line of scrimmage is good, and he does have ball production. He can make plays on the football. His coverage skills are solid, so he kind of fits the prototype."

2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

• Analysis: "He crushed the combine, and his film is excellent. He's just a high-floor prospect—absolute gas. He won't shy away from anything. He's fast, physical downhill, and willing to mix it up. I do worry about his frame. He hasn't been hurt, but it's a concern because he plays like a psychopath. In terms of checking boxes, he had a great combine, shows physicality on tape, and runs to the football. He's got good instincts."

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State

• Analysis: "His film is crazy good. He has great range. I was really impressed with how he fits the run, especially for a safety. There's not much to dislike. I think he brings some versatility to the position. He's been a beast since he was a freshman at Alabama and has continued that level of play ever since. When you watch him against Miami in the College Football Playoff, he's making dynamic, game-changing plays. You don't notice his size when you watch the tape."