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Why Giants let Cowboys get potential superstar in NFL Draft
TL;DR
The New York Giants passed on selecting safety Caleb Downs with their second first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing the Dallas Cowboys to potentially acquire a superstar. The Cowboys attempted to trade up to secure Downs before the Giants made their choice.
Key points
- Giants had the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- They selected Arvell Reese at No. 5
- Caleb Downs was available but not chosen by the Giants
- Cowboys tried to trade up to No. 9 to draft Downs
Mentioned in this story
Ohio State
Caleb DownsArvell ReeseNew York GiantsDallas Cowboys
Why Giants let Cowboys get potential superstar in NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Giants had a chance to get one of the best players in the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 10 overall pick.
They had already taken Arvell Reese at No. 5, and Caleb Downs slid past a few other interested squads to get to the Giants' second pick of the first round.
The Giants didn't choose the safety out of Ohio State, though. The Dallas Cowboys actually were worried enough about that possibility that they tried to trade up to No. 9 to beat the Giants to Downs.
"The Cowboys had tried to trade up to No. 9 to get Downs, fearful that the Giants would take him," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote in a new article on Tuesday. "New York could have come out of the first round of the draft feeling like it had locked down two defensive cornerstones for a decade to come."
The Giants instead took offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from Miami. The Cowboys only had to trade up one spot, from 12 to 11, to ensure they got Downs.
Q&A
Why did the Giants not draft Caleb Downs in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Giants opted to select Arvell Reese with their No. 5 pick and chose not to draft Caleb Downs with their second first-round pick.
What was the Cowboys' strategy regarding Caleb Downs in the draft?
The Cowboys were concerned the Giants might select Downs, prompting them to attempt a trade up to the No. 9 spot to secure him.
Who is Caleb Downs and why is he considered a potential superstar?
Caleb Downs is a safety from Ohio State, recognized for his exceptional skills and potential impact in the NFL, making him a highly sought-after prospect.
