Why Caleb Downs Might Be the Perfect Fit for the Giants at No. 5
The New York Giants are in the middle of a defensive identity shift, and it’s not just a tweak-it’s a full-on philosophical reboot. With John Harbaugh’s influence taking root in the front office and Dennard Wilson now officially on board as defensive coordinator, the direction is clear: build a smart, fast, and physical defense that can adapt on the fly. And with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, all signs are pointing toward Columbus, Ohio-specifically, toward one of the most complete safety prospects in recent memory: Caleb Downs.
Downs isn’t just a name rising up draft boards-he’s a prototype. He checks every box for what Harbaugh and Wilson want in the back end of their defense.
Think of him as a potential spiritual successor to Kyle Hamilton, the All-Pro safety they helped mold in Baltimore. The parallels aren’t just convenient-they’re compelling.
The Hamilton Blueprint-and Why Downs Fits It
Back in 2023, when Harbaugh and Wilson were working together in Baltimore, Kyle Hamilton blossomed into a do-it-all defensive weapon. He posted 81 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and four interceptions while lining up all over the field-deep safety, box, slot-you name it. He wasn’t just a safety; he was a chess piece, the kind of player who makes offensive coordinators lose sleep.
That’s the same role Caleb Downs has thrived in at Ohio State (and previously at Alabama). In 2025, he put together a tape that defensive coaches dream about, earning an elite 87.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
He logged over 300 snaps both at deep safety and in the box, with another 160 in the slot. That kind of versatility isn’t just nice to have-it’s vital in today’s NFL, where offenses are constantly shifting personnel and formations to create mismatches.
Now, Downs and Hamilton aren’t carbon copies. Hamilton came into the league as a rare physical specimen-6’4”, 220 pounds with freakish length and range.
Downs is more traditionally built at 6’0”, 205, but don’t let that fool you. He might not have Hamilton’s size, but he brings a higher floor in man coverage and a level of consistency that’s hard to find at the collegiate level.
Across three seasons at two powerhouse programs, Downs has racked up 257 tackles and maintained a PFF grade north of 85.0 every single year. That’s not just productive-that’s elite.
Why a Safety at No. 5 Makes Sense
There’s always some pushback when it comes to drafting a safety in the top five. Positional value debates tend to dominate that conversation.
But Downs isn’t your average safety prospect. He’s a tone-setter, a culture-changer, and a schematic fit for what the Giants want to become.
In 2025, he allowed a 54.5 passer rating when targeted and didn’t give up a single touchdown. Let’s sit with that for a second: a full season of coverage snaps, zero touchdowns allowed. That’s not just sticky coverage-that’s lockdown.
And it’s not just what he does in the air. Downs also posted an 83.7 run-defense grade, which should have Giants fans paying close attention.
This is a team that finished 31st against the run in 2025. That’s not a small problem-it’s a foundational flaw.
Adding a safety who can fly downhill, fill gaps, and bring the hammer at the line of scrimmage could be exactly what this defense needs to turn the tide.
Building Around a New Defensive Centerpiece
If GM Joe Schoen decides to make Downs the pick at No. 5, the Giants wouldn’t just be adding a talented player-they’d be getting a cornerstone. Dennard Wilson’s defensive scheme thrives on disguise, aggression, and flexibility.
To pull that off, you need a safety who can wear multiple hats without tipping his hand. Downs fits that mold perfectly.
He’s the kind of player who can erase tight ends in man coverage, drop deep in single-high looks, or crash the box on early downs and blow up a run play before it gets going. He’s not just a piece of the puzzle-he’s the key that unlocks the whole thing.
There’s also a bit of symmetry here. Downs has NFL bloodlines-his father, Gary, played for the Giants in the 90s.
That connection to the franchise isn’t just a fun footnote; it’s a reminder that Downs understands what it means to wear the uniform. He’s not just talented-he’s wired the right way.
That matters in a locker room that’s trying to reestablish its identity.
Final Thoughts
The Giants are at a crossroads. They’ve got a new defensive leader in Wilson, a clear philosophical direction under Harbaugh’s influence, and a top-five pick in a draft loaded with talent. But if they want a player who can elevate the defense from Day 1-someone who brings elite production, high football IQ, and the versatility to thrive in a modern, aggressive scheme-Caleb Downs might be the guy.
He’s more than just a safety. He’s a solution.