The 2026 NFL Draft buzz is heating up as the Scouting Combine kicks off, and teams are starting to shape their draft strategies. The New York Giants, holding the No. 5 pick, might already have a strong contender in mind.
Newly appointed head coach John Harbaugh recently shared his thoughts on The Mike Francesa Podcast, where the conversation naturally turned to his history with standout safeties like Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and Kyle Hamilton. With such a background, Harbaugh was asked about draft prospect Caleb Downs, and he didn't hesitate to express his admiration. Harbaugh made it clear that he’s a big fan of Downs and would welcome him to New York with open arms.
Harbaugh emphasized that with a pick as high as No. 5, the Giants are focused on selecting the best player available rather than being swayed by positional needs. He noted that this is the highest draft pick he’s ever had as a head coach, and he wouldn’t think twice about adding a talent like Downs to the roster.
Harbaugh’s appreciation for the safety position is well-documented, and his prior comments suggest he’s keen on the Giants drafting Downs. But he’s not the only one.
Caleb Downs' older brother, Josh Downs, a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, also voiced his hopes for his brother’s landing spot. In an interview with Overtime, Josh mentioned the Cincinnati Bengals and the Giants as ideal teams for Caleb, citing New York City’s appeal and the Giants' promising young squad as reasons.
Adding another layer to the story, the Downs brothers' father, Gary Downs, was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 1994 Draft. He played two seasons with the team, and now his son could follow in his footsteps, potentially bolstering the Giants' defense.
Caleb Downs is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. His addition would be a significant boost to the Giants' youthful core, and both Harbaugh and the Downs family are eager to see it happen.