Caleb Downs was one of the best safeties in college football during his time at Alabama and Ohio State, and it is almost a guarantee that he will be the first one taken off the board at the 2026 NFL Draft. Downs could go as high as fifth with the New York Giants‘ first pick in the first round, but if New York feels they can wait to get him at 10, they could try to steal someone else first.
If Downs does end up on the Giants, it would be a full-circle moment for him and his father, Gary.
Caleb Downs says getting drafted by the Giants would be special because he’d be following in his dad’s footsteps
His father, Gary, was a third-round pick by the Giants in 1994 pic.twitter.com/m4xTGOoHqB
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 22, 2026
Gary Downs played in 69 games over six NFL seasons as a depth running back. He rushed for just 149 yards over his six seasons, but nearly made as big an impact as a pass-catcher with nine receptions for 66 yards. He went on to coach high school and college football until 2021, before becoming a full-time football father, watching his son Caleb’s college career.
While Gary’s career didn’t have as much of an impact, there’s a great chance that Caleb will make a far greater impression on the Giants’ organization if he ends up joining the team. One area of improvement for the Giants is playmakers on both sides of the ball, and Downs would be a massive fix.
A perfect first round for the Giants could be grabbing a wide receiver and a piece for their secondary. Depending on where they feel Caleb Downs has value around the league, they could choose him as high as No. 5.
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