With less than two weeks until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh, the New York Giants are widely expected to take Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 5.
Giants legend Justin Tuck loves the idea of drafting a Buckeyes defender, but he has a different one in mind.
Speaking on the “Big Blue Breakdown” podcast earlier this week, Tuck compared Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to his former Giants teammate, Antrel Rolle.
Downs, a two-time All-American, is a projected top-10 pick. Tuck explained that Downs and Rolle, a key part of the Giants’ 2011 Super Bowl team, are both versatile playmakers capable of lining up at various positions.
“We all know how important having that type of player on your field,” Tuck said, “whether you need to play the slot, you need to play safety, you need him to be in a dime package playing your middle linebacker.”
Justin Tuck just gave Giants fans a reason to support a Caleb Downs pick
To be clear, this isn’t intended to suggest that the Giants are better off drafting Downs over Styles. Both would be welcome additions, at least on paper, to a rebuilding Giants team.
However, our ears should collectively perk up when we hear an All-Pro and captain compare a top prospect to another former All-Pro teammate.
Rolle terrorized opponents during his five seasons with the Giants, breaking up passes and stuffing the run. He earned three Pro Bowl honors when that distinction still meant something.
Downs placed ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting after recording 68 tackles, five tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles for the Buckeyes last season.
ESPN’s Matt Miller mocked Downs to the Giants last month, and he certainly checks the boxes of what Big Blue needs on defense.
Not only would Downs bring versatility, but he’s earned rave reviews for his maturity and leadership. Downs won the 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s best defender in terms of on-field and off-field achievements.
New Giants coach John Harbaugh is no stranger to coaching elite safeties, with Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton shining under his watch in Baltimore.
Could Downs be next? Tuck certainly sounds interested in finding out.