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Mel Kiper's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Projects Caleb Downs, Keylan Rutledge to Giants

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ESPN's Mel Kiper Projects Giants' 2026 NFL Draft Picks

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released a two-round projection for the 2026 NFL Draft, including selections for the New York Giants at picks No. 5 and No. 37 overall. The projections are based on team needs, player evaluations, and conversations with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.

Giants' Projected Selections

According to Kiper's mock draft, the Giants are projected to make the following selections:

  • Round 1, Pick 5: Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State.
  • Round 2, Pick 37: Keylan Rutledge, Guard, Georgia Tech.

The Top of the Draft

Kiper's projection lists the first four selections prior to the Giants' first pick as:

  1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana.
  2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Outside Linebacker, Texas Tech.
  3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State.
  4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame.

Analysis of the Giants' Picks

First-Round Selection: Caleb Downs, S

Kiper noted the Giants would have multiple Ohio State prospects to consider at the fifth overall selection, including wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles.

Kiper cited the potential fit of Downs alongside safety Jevon Holland in the Giants' secondary. He also stated that, if selected fifth overall, Downs would be the first safety drafted in the top five since Eric Berry in 2010.

Second-Round Selection: Keylan Rutledge, G

Kiper stated that the team's prior signing of Daniel Faalele should not prevent them from adding to their interior offensive line.

Kiper noted that Rutledge started 43 games in college and allowed two sacks. He projected that Rutledge could compete for a starting role as a rookie.

Additional Context and Alternative Viewpoints

A separate analysis, labeled in multiple sources as "Valentine's View," presented additional context and alternative projections.

  • Regarding Pick No. 5: This analysis noted that many other analysts and mock drafts have frequently projected the Giants to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the fifth pick. It referenced Giants head coach John Harbaugh's history with safeties and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's background as a former safety player.

  • Regarding Pick No. 37: The analysis noted that Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 36th overall pick in Kiper's mock draft, one selection before the Giants' projected pick. It questioned whether McDonald would have been the Giants' selection if he had been available.

Note on Conflicting Information

One source presented a significantly different mock draft scenario for the Giants, projecting them to have three early picks and selecting different players, including Kayden McDonald. This scenario was described as an update following a hypothetical trade.

As this projection conflicts with the consistent data from the other 25 sources, it is noted here as an outlier. The consolidated story above reflects the consistent projections detailed in the majority of provided sources.