Who is Caleb Downs and why are the Giants interested?

Caleb Downs is a highly-touted safety prospect from Ohio State whom Mel Kiper Jr. projects to be selected by the New York Giants with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his exceptional all-around talent.

How many Ohio State players are expected to be drafted high in 2026?

Multiple Ohio State players are projected as high picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Carnell Tate, indicating a strong talent pool from the Buckeyes.

What are the Giants' defensive needs that Caleb Downs could address?

Caleb Downs could help the Giants improve their turnover creation and shore up their run defense, addressing key weaknesses from the previous season.

Home / Sports / Giants eye Ohio State star in 2026 NFL Draft

Giants eye Ohio State star in 2026 NFL Draft

17 Mar

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Summary

Giants may draft Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 5.
Downs is considered a unique talent at the safety position.
Multiple Ohio State players are projected high in the 2026 Draft.

Giants eye Ohio State star in 2026 NFL Draft

Ohio State's impressive pipeline of talent is set to continue in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft suggests the New York Giants, with the fifth overall selection, will target standout safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State.

Kiper highlights Downs as a complete player, noting he is on a different level than most safeties in recent memory. The Giants' potential acquisition of Downs would address their turnover creation and run defense weaknesses, pairing him with Jevon Holland on the back end.

Downs is not the only Buckeye projected for early selection; Arvell Reese is mock-drafted third overall to the Cardinals, Sonny Styles seventh, and Carnell Tate eighth, underscoring Ohio State's deep talent pool for the upcoming draft.

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