With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, there's plenty of buzz about what the New York Giants, under new head coach John Harbaugh, might do with their No. 5 pick. ESPN’s Matt Miller is making a strong case for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a two-time All-American and the reigning Jim Thorpe winner. Downs capped his college career by snagging the Lott IMPACT Trophy, highlighting his prowess both on and off the field.
Harbaugh's history with standout safeties like Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore gives him a keen eye for talent in this area. Downs fits the mold perfectly-versatile and smart. He made an immediate impact as a freshman at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, where he continued to shine.
Last season, Downs was a force on the field, racking up 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, earning him a ninth-place finish in Heisman voting. Alongside teammates Arvell Reese and Carnell Tate, Downs has been a top-10 prospect for months.
The Giants are in need of young, dynamic defenders, and Downs could be the perfect partner for Jevon Holland in the secondary. Holland, who’s looking to rebound after a tough season where he was ranked 73rd among 98 safeties by Pro Football Focus, could benefit from Downs' energy and skill. The Giants’ defense struggled last year, allowing 5.8 yards per play, so adding Downs could be a game-changer.
However, there's no guarantee Downs will be available at No. 5.
While the Raiders are expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall, the Jets, Cardinals, and Titans hold the next three picks, and their choices remain uncertain. Miller has projected Reese to the Jets, Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa to the Cardinals, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to the Titans.
There are other voices in the mix, too. NFL Media’s Mike Band has suggested the Giants might go for another Ohio State standout, linebacker Sonny Styles, at No.
- Miller sees Styles going to the Bengals at No. 10 but acknowledges he could be picked earlier.
If Downs isn’t the pick, the Giants have options. LSU’s A.J.
Haulcy is a top Day 2 safety prospect, and they might even consider trading back into the first round if Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, projected as a top-25 pick, slides down the board. The draft is always full of surprises, and the Giants’ decisions could shape their defense for years to come.