標籤: Downs

A new report suggests a different player may have overtaken Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate on the New York Giants’ NFL Draft board. And he is a partner of both the players.

Despite their third consecutive losing season, there is new hope for the NY Giants. This is due to the hiring of former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. The one-time Super Bowl winner’s resume has given fans reason to believe that better and more competitive days are ahead for Big Blue.

Another reason for fans to be optimistic is that the organization will have premium picks in April’s NFL Draft, including the fifth overall selection. That selection has been the source of a lot of speculation over the past month. The NY Giants feel they don’t need a QB so they might as well take the best player available. But who could that be, and who is the best fit for the team?

In various mock drafts, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate is a player often linked to the NY Giants at five. However, over the past few weeks, his teammate, Caleb Downs, has received a lot of discussion as a potential selection as Harbaugh has a history of preferring elite safeties in his defense. However, another Buckeyes star made headlines in New York, especially after an impressive performance at the NFL Combine this week.

Sonny Styles a ‘perfect’ fit for NY Giants at No. 5 in NFL Draft?

“Sonny Styles has also confirmed that he is the top pick in this year’s draft. The Giants are the surefire prospect at No. 5,” reports ESPN NY Giants insider Jordan Raanan. “Many people who worked under John Harbaugh in the past see it as a ‘perfect’ fit.”

The Ohio State linebacker looked excellent at the combine on Thursday. Posting a 4.46 40-yard dash and 43.50 vertical jump. Both were the No. 1 ranked linebackers in this year’s class. The three-year starter earned first-time All-American honors in 2025 as a key part of the Buckeyes’ elite defense last season.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

After completely revamping their coaching staff, the New York Giants now have some roster work to do. Giants general manager Joe Schoen is still in office, which means he should have a strong sense of his team’s top strengths and weaknesses. One thing that is clear is that the Giants’ 26th-ranked defense must improve.

The Giants will certainly make some moves in free agency, but they are projected to start the offseason with just $7 million in cap space. While cap cuts and contract restructuring could provide some more money, the Giants’ biggest contribution could come from their 2026 rookie class.

However, the Giants have the advantage of having the fifth overall pick in the first round, putting them in a position to select blue-chip talent. Perhaps even one that can help rescue those in dire need.

Despite the presence of Tyler Nubin and Javon Holland, one popular player who is generally projected to land with the Giants in the 2026 NFL mock draft is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Recently, Coach Harbaugh addressed the possibility of selecting a safety like Downs, which would be his highest draft selection ever as a head coach.

Downs is viewed as one of the best guards available in the upcoming draft class. If the Giants are trying to prioritize upgrading their weakest unit, Downs will definitely help.

However, the Giants have already invested significantly in their starting safety group. Nubin was selected in the second round in 2024. Holland was one of their prized free agents last offseason, signing a three-year, $45 million contract.

However, Downs has the potential to be better than both of them. Furthermore, Holland and Nubbin are only under contract until 2027. Meanwhile, Downs can still make an impact as an athlete capable of moving all over the field, like Harbaugh did with All-Pro Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore.

Ultimately, with the Giants already having a quarterback, an elite receiver, an All-Pro offensive tackle and great pass-rushers, selecting the best player available makes the most sense at No. 5. This could very well be downs.

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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ