While the coordinator search is the top priority for Washington head coach Dan Quinn, General Manager Adam Peters’ season has officially begun. Unlike last season, where we witnessed an exciting deep playoff
run, draft season has come early. On the latest Trap or Dive podcast, NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay joined the show to give an early preview of the 2026 NFL Draft.
McShay is intrigued by how Washington will decide to move in the first round. Washington, which picks seventh, has priority needs at premium positions on the edge and at wide receiver, and McShay acknowledges the attraction to other positions, such as safety, with Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. While Caleb Downs does not play a position considered premium, McShay doesn’t dislike him. He’s a big fan of Downs, so he’s not entirely ruled out for Washington. In a class that lacks top-tier talent, McShay ranks Downs among the top five football players in this draft.
Can Washington afford to select Downs if the Miami Hurricanes edge Rueben Bain Jr. or Texas Tech’s edge Can Washington afford to select Downs if the Miami Hurricanes’ edge Rueben Bain Jr. or Texas Tech’s edge David Bailey are available? Or, with Washington having a shortage of top 100 draft picks, will they trade out of seventh to gain more draft assets?
If you let McShay tell it, Bailey is special. While not strong against the run, McShay considers him a superior, explosive rusher who relies on his speed and speed-to-power rushes. If you assume quarterbacks go off the board during the first two to three picks, the draft effectively begins with the Arizona Cardinals or Tennessee Titans, who choose third and fourth, respectively. So, if Bailey falls to seventh, he becomes a likely option that Washington would seriously consider, given their long-standing need for an athlete like him.
Adam Peters will face an interesting decision in late April, and McShay will help you navigate Washington’s top 100 options.
You can listen to the full Trap or Dive with McShay below. We also discussed:
- What Jayden Daniels needs to succeed in Year 3
- Best mid-round tight end options
- Not many blue chip players in the draft class
- Best Pro comps for top prospects (Bijan Robinson -> Jeremiyah Love)
Podcast:
YouTube:
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