Back
Sports

Mel Kiper Projects Caleb Downs and Keylan Rutledge to New York Giants in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

ESPN Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. Projects Giants' 2026 NFL Draft Picks

Mel Kiper Jr. has released a two-round projection for the 2026 NFL Draft, forecasting the New York Giants' selections. According to Kiper, the mock draft is based on team needs, player evaluations, and conversations with NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.

Projected Giants Selections

The Giants are projected to hold the fifth overall pick in the first round and the 37th overall pick in the second round.

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

Top of the Draft Context

Kiper's mock outlines the four players projected to be selected before the Giants' first pick:

  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

Kiper's Analysis on the Picks

First-Round Selection: Caleb Downs

Kiper projected the selection of safety Caleb Downs, citing the potential impact Downs could have playing alongside safety Jevon Holland in the Giants' defense.

Kiper noted the Giants would have multiple Ohio State prospects to consider, including wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles. He stated that this selection would make Downs the first safety drafted in the top five since Eric Berry in 2010.

Second-Round Selection: Keylan Rutledge

Kiper cited Rutledge's college experience of 43 starts and having allowed two sacks as qualifications, projecting he could compete for a starting role as a rookie.

For the second-round selection, Kiper projected guard Keylan Rutledge. He stated that the Giants' prior signing of Daniel Faalele should not prevent the team from adding to its interior offensive line.

Additional Commentary and Context

A separate analysis, labeled in multiple sources as "Valentine's View," presented alternative perspectives on the projections.

  • On the First-Round Pick: This analysis noted that many other 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 developing safeties and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's background as a former NFL safety.

  • On the Second-Round Pick: 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, one selection before the Giants' projected pick. It was suggested that McDonald might have been a target for the Giants if he had been available.