The New York Giants, thanks to their late-season surge, now sit at No. 5 in the 2026 NFL Draft order.
While some Giants fans are surely upset about being unable to land a haul with a trade down from No. 1 or No. 2, New York is still in a prime position to add an impact player with their draft pick.
A to Z Sports’ Joe DeLeone recently did a seven-round mock draft for Big Blue, and he was certainly able to find difference makers with the Giants’ current array of draft capital.
Giants Select Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs No. 5 Overall
With the New York Giants fifth overall pick, DeLeone has New York making a controversial pick, selecting Ohio State’s Caleb Downs.
Safety is not considered a premium position to most NFL analysts, but Downs’ abilities make him an incredibly unique talent and valuable addition to any defense.
“I promise I won’t just do this every single week, but I’m going to push this take whenever I get the chance. If Caleb Downs is on the board, the Giants need to draft him,” wrote DeLeone.
“This defense fundamentally was unimpactful against the run because of poor tackling and effort. Downs would boost the run defense and improve their pass coverage as a multi-use weapon that can be aligned anywhere.”
New York’s run defense could certainly use a boost. They gave up the 31st most rushing yards per game in 2025, and finished dead last in run defense according to Sumer Sports’ EPA/play.
But A to Z Sports’ draft analyst, Ryan Roberts, pointed out the dilemma of using such a premium pick on a safety.
“If you’ve read my thoughts on Caleb Downs in the past, you know I’m not a huge fan of drafting a safety in the top five, especially one that is mostly going to be relegated to the box and mid hole. Does that mean that Downs won’t be a good player? No, but it’s just too rich for my blood,” wrote Roberts.
In my opinion, the Giants should be in the business of finding themselves great players, no matter what position they play.
Downs is an incredible prospect and would certainly provide a boost to a lackluster defense.
Giants Find a New Jaxson Dart Weapon in Round 2
With the New York Giants’ second-round pick, DeLeone projected the selection of Texas A&M wide receiver Kevin Concepcion.
With Malik Nabers not likely to be ready for Week 1, and Wan’Dale Robinson’s impending free agency, the Giants can’t rely on the likes of Darius Slayton as Jaxson Dart’s No. 1 receiving option.
Concepcion fills a major need for Big Blue and could be the player that Jalin Hyatt failed to develop into.
“In the second round, landing KC Concepcion is a major steal. I’m unsure if he’ll still be on the board, as he has the speed to turn him into a riser throughout this process. Regardless, he can serve as the Giants’ primary kick returner and deep threat in the WR room,” continued DeLeone.
And as opposed to the Downs pick, Roberts, the draft expert, was on board for the second round selection.
“Concepcion, however, is a tremendous value play in the second round. He’s the type of after-play threat that should work wonders, combining with Malik Nabers.”
“Add in (De’Zhaun) Stribling on Day Three, and the Giants managed to upgrade their wide receiver room in a big way. Quarterback Jaxson Dart should be happy.”
With the rest of the picks, DeLeone has New York filling out some other major needs, including Oregon offensive tackle Isaiah World, Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson, and Iowa center Logan Jones.
It’s safe to say fans would be pleased if this is the way New York’s draft turned out come April.
Giants Mock Draft Lands ‘Multi-Use’ Defensive Weapon in First Round