Mel Kiper’s New Mock Sends Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs to Giants at No. 5

Overview

• ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. on March 17 projected the New York Giants to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 5 pick in his latest mock draft.
• Kiper called Downs "on another level" and a "complete football player," noting it would be the highest safety selection since Eric Berry in 2010.
• The Giants have recently added Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington at safety, yet Kiper still endorses Downs as the best option at that spot.
• Some analysis pushes back on taking a safety that early, suggesting Ohio State standouts Sonny Styles or Carnell Tate could offer greater impact and value at No. 5.
• Reports from the combine indicated knee flags for Downs with follow-up evaluations planned, though current coverage still places him firmly in top-five projections.