The New York Giants currently hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft - at least for now. With one game left in the regular season, the draft order is still in flux. But if things hold, New York could be sitting on a golden opportunity - not to draft a quarterback, but to trade the pick away.
And in a recent mock draft, that’s exactly what happens.
Giants Trade Down With Dolphins in Bold Mock Draft Move
In a mock draft scenario that’s sure to stir up debate, the Giants strike a deal with the Miami Dolphins, trading out of the top spot and sliding all the way back to No. 10. The Dolphins, desperate to address their quarterback situation, move up to grab Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza - the projected No. 1 overall pick.
Here’s how the trade shakes out:
- Dolphins receive: No. 1 overall pick (QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana)
- Giants receive: No. 10 (S Caleb Downs, Ohio State), No. 44, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick
That’s a significant haul, especially considering the Giants may not even be in the market for a quarterback.
The Giants Don’t Need a QB - But They Need a Lot Else
Let’s be clear: Jaxson Dart has shown more than enough in his rookie season to suggest he’s the guy in New York - at least for now. That gives the Giants rare leverage at the top of the draft. While other teams are scrambling to find their next franchise quarterback, the Giants can sit back, field calls, and set the price.
And if this mock deal came to life, it would be a strong return. Dropping nine spots in the first round is a steep fall, but two top-50 picks in 2027 - in what’s already being projected as a deep and talented draft class - could make it worth the risk. The Giants would still pick in the top 10 this year, while stockpiling future assets that could accelerate their rebuild.
Still, moving from No. 1 to No. 10 doesn’t come cheap, and some might argue the Giants should push for more. History shows teams have paid a premium to move up even fewer spots. But if New York believes they can get a blue-chip defender at 10 and add long-term value, this could be the kind of forward-thinking move that pays off down the line.
Caleb Downs Could Be the Defensive Anchor the Giants Need
Let’s talk about who the Giants land at No. 10 in this scenario: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Downs is no consolation prize. He’s widely viewed as one of the top overall prospects in the entire draft class - not just among defensive backs.
A two-time All-American, Downs put together another standout season in 2025, racking up 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two pass breakups in 13 games. His instincts, physicality, and versatility make him a plug-and-play starter in any secondary.
And the Giants need someone exactly like him.
Despite pouring nearly $100 million into their secondary last offseason - including high-profile additions like Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo - the unit has underperformed in a big way. Missed assignments, communication breakdowns, and a lack of playmaking have plagued the back end of the defense. It’s been a glaring weakness all season long.
Downs could be the fix. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just fill a role - he elevates the entire unit. Whether he’s dropping deep in coverage, flying into the box to stop the run, or roaming as a ball hawk, Downs brings a level of dynamism that’s been sorely lacking in New York’s defense.
A Trade That Could Change the Franchise’s Trajectory
This mock draft scenario paints a compelling picture: The Giants move out of the top spot, avoid reaching for a quarterback they don’t need, and instead walk away with a potential defensive cornerstone and a treasure chest of future picks.
It’s the kind of move that could reshape the franchise - not just for 2026, but for years to come.
Of course, it all hinges on how the board falls, how the final week of the season plays out, and whether a quarterback-needy team like Miami is willing to pay the price. But if the Giants can turn the No. 1 pick into an elite defender and long-term draft capital, they might be in better shape than people think.