2026 NFL draft: Mel Kiper Jr. makes his final New York Giants prediction

Anticipation for the 2026 NFL draft is building, with just days remaining until the New York Giants are on the clock for the first time.

In the final mock draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper, the Giants select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 5 overall pick.

If things fall this way, the Giants will have a tough call to make on three Ohio State prospects. I could see Carnell Tate as the team's No. 2 receiver opposite Malik Nabers. I could certainly see Sonny Styles quarterbacking the defense from the middle linebacker spot. But I keep coming back to what Downs could do from the back end of this secondary. Next to Jevon Holland, his incredible instincts would pop in this defense. Downs would be the first safety taken in the top five since Eric Berry went to the Chiefs in 2010, and he'd be worth it.

Downs made plays on the ball and excelled in high safety looks at Ohio State last season. The 21-year-old displayed great versatility throughout the year, a trait that would serve the Giants well if general manager Joe Schoen and his front office choose him at No. 5 overall.

Downs’ 2025 stat line included two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack. As the top safety in this year’s draft class, he possesses an alluring skill set that the Giants could nurture in 2026.

In Round 2, Kiper Jr. has the Giants selecting Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge.

The signing of Daniel Faalele shouldn't keep the Giants from adding to their interior offensive line. Rutledge started 43 games in college and gave up only two sacks. He could slide into a starter's role as a rookie.

Rutledge, a 6-foot-4, 316-pound right guard, did not allow a single sack in 2025 and permitted only five total pressures all season. He is a top prospect at the position and represents a potential Day 2 option for the Giants as a replacement for last year’s starting right guard, Greg Van Roten, who remains an unsigned free agent.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Mel Kiper Jr. makes his final New York Giants prediction