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Giants Intrigued by Harbaugh's Praise of Buckeyes Safety Caleb Downs
New Giants coach John Harbaugh sees potential Hall of Fame talent in Ohio State's versatile defensive back.
Mar. 2, 2026 at 11:31am
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With the 5th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the New York Giants have a prime opportunity to add a game-changing talent to their roster. While most mock drafts have them targeting a wide receiver, new head coach John Harbaugh has made it clear he would be thrilled to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs if he's available. Harbaugh, known for developing elite defensive backs, believes Downs has the potential to be a future Hall of Famer due to his rare combination of size, speed, and versatility.
Why it matters
The Giants had one of the league's worst defenses last season, so adding an impact player like Downs could be a major boost. As a Swiss Army knife in the secondary, Downs can thrive in coverage, against the run, and as a blitzer, making him an ideal fit for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's aggressive scheme.
The details
Harbaugh, who helped mold Kyle Hamilton into an All-Pro safety with the Ravens, sees similar star potential in Downs. The Ohio State standout can excel in a variety of roles, lining up as a traditional safety, in the box as a linebacker, or even in the slot to match up with receivers. His rare combination of size, speed, and instincts make him a potential game-changer on the defensive side of the ball.
- The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29.
The players
John Harbaugh
The new head coach of the New York Giants, known for developing elite defensive backs during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens.
Caleb Downs
A versatile safety prospect from Ohio State University, who is widely considered one of the top defensive players in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
Jaxson Dart
The Giants' young quarterback, who will be looking to build on a promising rookie season under the guidance of new head coach John Harbaugh.
Dennard Wilson
The Giants' new defensive coordinator, who will be tasked with implementing an aggressive scheme and maximizing the team's defensive talent.
Kyle Hamilton
An All-Pro safety who was developed by John Harbaugh during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, serving as a potential model for Caleb Downs' NFL development.
What they’re saying
“We favor Hall of Fame safeties, so if we have a chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be just fine with me.”
— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, New York Giants
What’s next
The Giants will have a closer look at Caleb Downs during the upcoming NFL Combine, where his athletic testing and on-field drills will be closely evaluated as they determine whether to select him with the 5th overall pick.
The takeaway
By prioritizing the selection of a versatile, game-changing safety like Caleb Downs, the Giants could significantly bolster their defensive unit and provide a strong foundation for their rebuild under new head coach John Harbaugh. Downs' rare skill set and potential for stardom make him an intriguing option, even with the team's need for offensive playmakers.
