Not much has gone right for the New York Giants in 2025.
After Week 12, the team is sitting at 2-10 and only the Tennessee Titans have a worse record. As a result, the Giants would have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft if the season ended today.
The team likely won't be in the running for a quarterback. Rookie Jaxson Dart has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025, and the team will likely give the Ole Miss product at least one more season to prove he's the guy.
Instead, the Giants could trade down or stay and pick one of the talented defenders expected to be available. Chris Landers of FanSided recently published an updated mock draft, and Landers had the Giants taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
Regarding the Downs pick, Landers offered the following:
The Giants also find themselves not needing a quarterback, and could either make a pick here or trade down. But this secondary is dire straits right now, and another Buckeye in Downs could be just the thing to get this group organized. He can play all over the field and might be the single smartest player in the draft class, a worthy successor to Xavier McKinney.
As Landers mentioned, the Giants could definitely use an infusion of talent in the secondary. Only three teams have allowed more passing yards than the Giants in 2025, and Downs would be an immediate improvement.
In 2025, Downs has played in 11 games for the Buckeyes and has 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. The defensive back is one of the most instinctive defenders in this class and has a championship pedigree.
Downs was a key piece of the Buckeyes' defense that helped the team secure the national title last season. Downs has 238 career tackles, six interceptions, and was an All-American in 2024.
In New York, the Giants could deploy Downs in a few different ways. He typically plays as a strong safety, but he can play as a free safety or as a nickel. The Giants could use Downs at strong safety, and he could form an elite duo with Jevon Holland.
Tyler Nubin has been mediocre this season for the Giants. The former second-round pick has a 54.9 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranks 75th out of 93 qualified safeties. Downs would be an upgrade and could secure the position for the next decade.