New Giants NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

For the first time in years, there is genuine buzz surrounding the Giants. New head coach John Harbaugh hasn't had many opportunities to pick in the top five during his illustrious career. It will be fascinating to see how he builds on a talented, yet very flawed roster.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Giants to do with the No. 5 overall pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 5): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

This particular slot may be the most likely point where a trade occurs since the New York Giants aren't locked into any specific need. The Giants do own seven draft picks, though four of those fall in the fifth round or later. New York can recoup a few high-draft picks, particularly the third-round selection it gave up last year in order to trade up for quarterback Jaxson Dart.

If nothing materializes with a partner to facilitate a draft-day trade, the Giants can stand pat and select the draft class' No. 1 overall prospect, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

"A lot of differing opinions exist regarding Downs," B/R scout Daniel Harms said, "but John Harbaugh knows what this kind of prospect can do for a defense. He's spent the last few years watching Kyle Hamilton be a unique chess piece for the Ravens. While the body types are different, their impacts on the defense can be similar. Downs unlocked every defensive player at Ohio State last season with his football IQ, instincts and versatility. He'll be the glue that holds the Giants' defense together and allows everyone around him to flourish."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 5): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 5): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 5): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 5): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 5): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 5): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 5): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Summary

Watching Ohio State football had to be a priority for teams picking in the 5 to 10 range. They have three top-tier prospects with tremendous potential. Considering the connections with Hamilton and the Giants' need for leadership within a young defense, it feels right for Downs to be one of the driving forces behind Harbaugh's plan to build a winning team in New York.