NFL GM makes prediction about Giants, Caleb Downs draft rumors

Media personalities who create mock drafts throughout offseasons have been split on how the New York Giants will spend the fifth overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, with recently hired head coach John Harbaugh likely making the final call regarding that selection. 

Some have linked the Giants with defensive players, while others think Harbaugh will address his offense regarding that asset. It's also possible that the Giants could trade down to acquire more picks as part of Harbaugh's roster restructuring. 

Is this the perfect draft pick for John Harbaugh, 2026 Giants? 

For a piece published on Friday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US spoke with one unnamed general manager who believes the former Baltimore Ravens head coach would love to work with Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs.

"John just spent, what, 18 years in Baltimore," that GM said about Harbaugh. "No team invests more in the back end. That’s in his blood… He was with (Giants defensive coordinator) Dennard Wilson for one year, and they had the best defense in the league, and (safety) Kyle Hamilton played his best football. He needs a Kyle Hamilton."

Wilson served as the Ravens' defensive backs coach under Harbaugh during the 2023 campaign, for which Hamilton earned an All-Pro nod. Baltimore completed a trip to the AFC Championship Game that season, but the Ravens then fell to the Kansas City Chiefs with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. 

How do others feel about Giants, Caleb Downs rumors?

For his latest mock draft published this week, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the Giants will grab Downs at pick No. 5. However, The Athletic's Dan Duggan later linked Big Blue with Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

Meanwhile, some seem to think there's a real chance that Harbaugh will want to grab Notre Dame Fighting Irish star running back Jeremiyah Love with the draft's fifth choice. 

"It’s likely that the teams picking in front of the Giants focus on quarterback, pass-rusher and probably an offensive lineman," La Canfora added. 

That should mean Downs will be on the board when the Giants are called to use their first pick of the 2026 draft, unless they trade down.