The Giants see Caleb Downs as a better fit for their needs than Sonny Styles, valuing his football intelligence and leadership skills.
Caleb Downs is considered one of the best prospects alongside Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love.
Caleb Downs is a safety, and while both he and Sonny Styles are highly athletic, Downs is favored for his intelligence and leadership on the field.
The New York Giants are projected to select Caleb Downs with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, according to a recent mock draft by Pro Football Focus. Downs is viewed as a better fit than his Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles due to his football intelligence and leadership qualities.
Caleb Downs' name continues to surface prominently in pre-draft projections for the New York Giants.
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus' Daire Carragher, the Giants view Downs as a better fit than his Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Choosing between Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles is a difficult decision for the Giants at this spot, as both offer high-end impact in different ways. Previously in these kinds of situations, the Giants have typically sided with the more athletic prospect, which is clearly Styles, but itâs a new era with John Harbaugh in town. Harbaugh will admire Downsâ football intelligence and the natural leadership he exuded during his final college football season.
Downs is regarded, along with Indiana Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, as one of the best overall prospects in this yearâs draft class.
The Giantsâ secondary already has depth at safety with Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, ArâDarius Washington, and Jason Pinnock. However, Downs is seen as a prospect with the potential to transform a franchiseâs defense.
Downs recorded two interceptions in each of his three seasons at Ohio State from 2023 to 2025. He also registered five tackles for loss last season. The Giants have a strong chance of seeing Downs available when they select at No. 5 overall on draft day.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants select Caleb Downs in latest PFF mock draft
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