Former NFL GM doesn't think Ohio State S Caleb Downs is a top 10 pick

If the Washington Commanders do select No. 7 in the draft, there is one top candidate they should not select.

At least that is according to former NFL general manager Mike Mayock. Mayock, a guest on the "Rich Eisen Show," was not shy in saying he does not view Ohio State safety Caleb Downs as a top ten selection.

"He's a first-round safety, gotcha, I'm in," Mayock said. "I think he's smart, I think he's instinctive, I think he's tough. I think he can play in the box; he can play free. So, he does all these things. I don't see as many dynamic plays on the ball that you would like to see from a top ten safety."

Mayock quickly then added, "That might be because that Ohio State defense was so freaking gifted. I could very well be wrong here. But I have done a lot of work on him on this whole defense because they are so d--n good, so talented. I'm pounding the 'I think he's a first-round pick.' I just don't think he's in the top ten at safety. If you're not turning the ball over or have the potential to get it turned over more often, I'm not sure you go there."

Host Rich Eisen had just joked with Mayock, "What if this is a draft where the best players are safeties, running backs, and interior linemen or tackles who might get kicked inside? What happens if those are your best players?" Eisen was asking if you have a pick in the top ten, do you go ahead and make a selection there on those players?

Mayock replied, "I actually think it is pretty simple. If the kid is a dynamic player at any position, you take him. Especially if he matches up with any type of need (for your team). Mayock then pointed to specific examples naming Zach Martin, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James. If he's a difference maker, if he's dynamic, I think you have to take him."

For several years, Mayock was a television analyst, offering his opinions on players being drafted and on whom he felt teams should draft. His analysis was convincing enough for Raiders owner Mark Davis, who then hired Mayock as his general manager. Mayock thus served as the Raiders' GM for the 2019-2021 seasons.

Why was Mayock only GM for three seasons? Well, perhaps because his first-round draft selections were: Clelin Ferrell (4), Josh Jacobs (24) and Jonathan Abram (27) in 2019. In 2020 he selected Henry Ruggs (12) and Damon Arnette (19). Then in 2021 he drafted Alex Leatherwood (17).

Now, he has gone public declaring Caleb Downs is not a top-ten draft pick. We shall see...

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Former NFL GM says no top 10 for Caleb Downs