A prominent NFL mock draft brings a "curveball" pick by the New York Giants with their first-round selection that the organization should seriously consider.
The 2025 NY Giants campaign was another miserable one. After 18 weeks, the team finished with a 4-13 record, a year after ending their previous season with a 3-14 mark. It is why head coach Brian Daboll was fired in November, and the organization was very aggressive to hire one-time Super Bowl winner John Harbaugh to replace him.
Although the Baltimore Ravens fired Harbaugh last month, he is still one of the most-respected coaches in the league after posting a 180-113 record during his 18 years in Baltimore. His arrival has created a huge amount of excitement about what the NY Giants can do in 2026 and beyond. However, if they are going to succeed in the Harbaugh era, they must start hitting on NFL Draft picks.
The franchise has another big opportunity in April when they are on the clock at No. 5 in Round 1 of the event. Furthermore, they don't need to use the selection on a quarterback since they think they have a long-term option in 2025 first-rounder Jaxson Dart . Meaning the NY Giants can take the best player available.
Since the season ended, most mock drafts have the G-Men taking a wide receiver, an offensive tackle, and even top cornerbacks in Round 1. However, ESPN NFL expert Field Yates offered a different option in his brand new mock draft for the outlet.
"This is my first curveball, as many early mock drafts have linked the Giants to a wide receiver or offensive tackle in this spot," Yates wrote. "Those are completely understandable, especially if Wan'Dale Robinson and/or Jermaine Eluemunor depart in free agency. But Downs has my attention as the first pick of the John Harbaugh era."
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Many football experts believe the Ohio State star is the most NFL-ready player among the top prospects this year. He was the undisputed top star and leader of a defense many felt was the best in the country in 2025. What makes him special beyond his physical gifts is his very high football IQ and his unique versatility at the position.
The NY Giants defense, despite some high-level talent, was not good last season. Bringing in a stabilizing figure in the secondary who can be used in multiple ways could be a great help to the talented pass rushers the team has up front, including Brian Burns .
However, if that doesn't sway you, let Yates explain why Downs is a very likely pick for a head coach who built his success in Baltimore off of consistently good defenses.
"Perhaps no current coach better understands the value of top-flight safety play, as Harbaugh coached Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore," he wrote. "While the Giants have starters in Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin , Downs has the upside to change an entire defense as a force multiplier with his deep range and in-the-box skills."
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