Downs has emerged as a generational safety prospect, delivering another All-American season in 2025. He finished with 68 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles, and he even drew Heisman Trophy consideration.
Despite his elite talent, a top-five selection for a safety is uncommon, creating a familiar draft-time dilemma for the Giants as they assess whether Downs is worth such a premium.
A recent report suggested that, in an ideal scenario, New York would move back a few spots, acquire extra picks, and still draft Downs a few selections later—leveraging the Giants’ two top-100 choices to maximize value.
The main hurdle is finding a willing trade partner, as many teams may be reluctant to move up, which could force the Giants to stand pat and take the best player available rather than pushing their entire strategy toward Downs.
If a trade-back isn’t feasible, the Giants could pivot to other appealing targets, such as a Notre Dame running back or Downs’ Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles, though either path would come with its own trade-offs in overall draft capital.
