The 2026 Draft Thread - 1st Round - 7th overall

[HTTR]

In a trade down scenario in which we end up in the late teens/early 20’s, what would folks think of taking Caleb Banks? Personally, I think this dude is playing out of position as a DT and the excessive weight is probably why he’s had an injury history. If he dropped down from around ~330lbs to 290lbs, I think he’d be an amazing quick-twitch jumbo DE.

Admittedly, I know nothing about him. But if we pass up a stud player at seven to take a guy that they’re telling me needs to lose 40 pounds so he can move to another position, I’m not going to be happy. Better be a hell of a return on the trade down like a first rounder next year and second rounder this year just to start.

 

[burgold]

In a trade down scenario in which we end up in the late teens/early 20’s, what would folks think of taking Caleb Banks? Personally, I think this dude is playing out of position as a DT and the excessive weight is probably why he’s had an injury history. If he dropped down from around ~330lbs to 290lbs, I think he’d be an amazing quick-twitch jumbo DE.

Not knowing enough, I don't know that I want to take any player in the first round with the idea that we need to transition them to a different position and project to how he'll do there.

 

[Dlts20]

Either way, it will be nice to finally have good communication on our defense.

With Downs, of course we all love the instincts and intelligence. And he’s a great tackler in college, but will that hold up against NFL sized bodies? And if so, will his body hold up. This is my biggest worry since from what I’m hearing he would be a “box” safety.

Styles on the other hand, we will never have to worry about being over matched physically. I know we don’t really have the need right now after signing Chanel, but Luvu has an expiring contract and will turn 30 in September. Long-term, I’d love to have Styles as the QB of the D.

Doesn’t matter anyway, because styles will not make it past the Giants at five, no matter how much the media begs them to take Love.

I'm not saying who I would pick but in defense of Downs, I will say this. Some people think that he is much better in coverage than given credit for as he has great instincts, especially on underneath routes. Cross himself is a box safety already in the mold of Downs to some degree but I could also see Jones using Downs as Derwin James, Nickle/LB hybrid with Quan or 3 corners on the field.

Now for my real defense. People talk about Downs size but he literally started from day 1 as a Freshman at powerhouse Alabama and literally played all 44 games in his college career. How many guys can say that? You can count on him.

As far as being over matched physically, Styles is great but he's pretty much a side to side, drag down tackler while Downs is literally smacking ish. He's coming through like a tornado.

He's similar size to Ed Reed who would also light you up. No one is going to overpower Downs. He's coming downhill like a missile with elite form tackling. He's more of a physical tone setter to me than Styles imo

 

[D’Pablo]

Not knowing enough, I don't know that I want to take any player in the first round with the idea that we need to transition them to a different position and project to how he'll do there.

As I understand it, he was used as a DE at times, so I don’t think it’s a huge shift. Apparently, the guy has 35” arms, heavy hands, and a lot of twitchy lower body strength. Dude’s injury history is recurring foot stuff, which is usually a pretty clear sign of carrying too much weight. If the guy drops 30 pounds (less than 10% of his body weight), his measurables compare favorably to Julius Peppers and Miles Garrett.

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

I'm not saying who I would pick but in defense of Downs, I will say this. Some people think that he is much better in coverage than given credit for as he has great instincts, especially on underneath routes. Cross himself is a box safety already in the mold of Downs to some degree but I could also see Jones using Downs as Derwin James, Nickle/LB hybrid with Quan or 3 corners on the field.

Now for my real defense. People talk about Downs size but he literally started from day 1 as a Freshman at powerhouse Alabama and literally played all 44 games in his college career. How many guys can say that? You can count on him.

As far as being over matched physically, Styles is great but he's pretty much a side to side, drag down tackler while Downs is literally smacking ish. He's coming through like a tornado.


He's similar size to Ed Reed who would also light you up. No one is going to overpower Downs. He's coming downhill like a missile with elite form tackling. He's more of a physical tone setter to me than Styles imo

But he doesn't though. Downs missed tackle rates are roughly average for the safety draft class.

Missed Tackle Rates Top 12 PFF safeties in Big Board - listed from lowest missed Tackle % to Highest missed Tackle% -Downs ranks 8th of 12. (Using Pro Football Reference way of calculating Missed Tackle%). Wheatley and Stroman are almost the same.

Ramsay 3.2%

Thieneeman 8.3%

Taaffe - 9.3%

Fitzgerald -10.2%

Wisniewski -10.6%

Wheatley 11.2%

Stroman 11.4%

Downs - 11.5%

Clark - 14.5%

Macneill-Warren 15.5%

Haulcey 15.8%

G. Smith -19.8%

Here's "Solo" Tackle Rates per Game for the above as well. Downs in middle of pack.

Haulcey -5.5

Fitzgerald 4.9

Wheatley -4.9

Thieneeman 4.8

G. Smith 4.8

Taaffe - 4.7

Downs 4.1

Wisniewski -4.0

Clark - 3.8

Macneill-Warren 3.3

Stroman 2.7

Ramsay 2.2

 

[Canuck]

14? wow. Is he the first WR off the board?

I can understand if they do not have any WR in the top 7 of their grading but dang am I scared with our potential WR group....again.

And we keep meaning on Aiyuk coming but there are too many questions on him alone, health and the fact he hasn't played in a long time.

Yup, first off the board

 

[Dlts20]

But he doesn't though. Downs missed tackle rates are roughly average for the safety draft class.

I'm not the biggest PFF fan all the time. Chris Simms even talks about how guys may have better grades but aren't involved in a quarter of the high level plays as someone below them. He even said that when we signed Roberson this year. He was like that guy is a good corner.

His numbers are going to be lower because he's in fog fights with elite receivers while other guys have higher grades because they are hidden and not a part of the action.

I remember being on another teams board who had a player with a super high position rating and nearly all of the fan base wanted him gone because they felt like he was trash. He was then replaced. That stuff is extremely subjective at times.

There aren't many safeties playing against elite teams playing downhill in as many high level action plays as him. He has to basically make LB type plays except from further back and in the open field with how he was used as opposed to how our safeties were use and the types of tackles they had to make

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I don't believe so. They offered similar contracts.

He felt he fit better with Mays and NE who also began negotiating with him earlier than we did. He was our second option after being shunned by Pierce.

Did they win him over before we joined the mix? Did we offer that much only after being told that's what NE had offered?

It's all speculation but the reports made it sound like Pierce wanted to stay in Indy before we entered the picture. But hey, at least they made a legit offer which gave him what he wanted from Indy

I think sometimes we can be over critical. They made him at least a matching contract. I thought I heard it might have even been slightly more money.

But at least it was the same. You can’t convince players to come who don’t want to. I’d even say you don’t want to convince players who don’t want to.

Sometimes you do what you’re supposed to and it still doesn’t work out…

 

[ES1974]

It’s gonna be wild when there are 2 surprise picks in the top 6, we’ll have all these shiny new toys on the table

I think sometimes we can be over critical. They made him at least a matching contract. I thought I heard it might have even been slightly more money.

But at least it was the same. You can’t convince players to come who don’t want to. I’d even say you don’t want to convince players who don’t want to.

Sometimes you do what you’re supposed to and it still doesn’t work out…

I think there’s a balance in amongst all of this. I’m personally not sure AP has found that yet.

I agree, sometimes there are deals you just can’t win.

Teams still sat with $50m in cap space should have a better chance though…..

But this is draft…so will be interesting to see what balance AP finds in the draft with the picks we have. Quite a crucial movie at #7, especially if you get the usual left field selection or two before we pick.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Will Love’s Position Work Against Him?​

There will definitely be a run on pass rushers at the top of the draft, quarterback Fernando Mendoza is destined to go first overall, and an offensive lineman or two, invariably, will go in the top 10-12 picks.

Some have linked Love to the Giants at fifth overall, though their failure to capitalise on Saquon Barkley after taking him in the top 10 has led many personnel execs to doubt they would go that route again.

The draft is still weeks away, and trades could certainly alter how things are staked at the top of the draft, but two long-time personnel execs agreed on where they though the floor was for Love, a player who is seen with he potential to make a difference on every down and a strong enough route runner and receiver to line up in the slot on passing downs.

“If he gets passed Washington at seven somebody (screwed) up,” one longtime evaluator said.

“He’s exactly what that offense needs. The best thing they can do for that quarterback (Jayden Daniels) is to take Love if he’s there… I don’t want to hear that shit about it’s too high to take a running back. Bijan (Robinson) went 8 and Saquon was worth the pick and (Christian) McCaffrey was a top 10 picks. I wouldn’t have taken the running back (Ashton Jeanty) as high as Vegas did last year, but this kid is a better football player.”

Another longtime exec said: “I think Washington is the floor. The draft is about supply and demand and who really needs a running back. The GM (Adam Peters) comes from San Francisco. They made the trade for McCaffrey.”

Scouts rave about Love’s character and love of football, and while there may be no such thing as a completely safe pick, he comes pretty close.

The Commanders are currently +250 to select Love, and some in the industry believe Washington could be inclined to move up a spot or two to secure his rights.

Washington or Bust? NFL Insiders Agree on Jeremiyah Love’s Draft Floor

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is a top prospect in the NFL draft, with potential to make an immediate impact. Some GMs see him going as high as second overall, but uncertainty surrounds his landing spot due to the devaluation of running backs. Love's versatility and character make him a...

www.sportsboom.us

 

[Chris]

Some have linked Love to the Giants at fifth overall, though their failure to capitalise on Saquon Barkley after taking him in the top 10 has led many personnel execs to doubt they would go that route again.​

Not the same NYG that failed on that decision. Harbaugh in charge is different and makes previous failures inconsequential to now. If you’re not sure of that just ask him or the fawning (for now) NY media.

(And it’s capitalize not capitalise unless the author is British or Canadian.)

 

[The Rook]

It’s gonna be wild when there are 2 surprise picks in the top 6, we’ll have all these shiny new toys on the table

I think there’s a balance in amongst all of this. I’m personally not sure AP has found that yet.

I agree, sometimes there are deals you just can’t win.

Teams still sat with $50m in cap space should have a better chance though…..

But this is draft…so will be interesting to see what balance AP finds in the draft with the picks we have. Quite a crucial movie at #7, especially if you get the usual left field selection or two before we pick.

Just as long as Washington is not one of the "left field selections".

The Rook

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[skinsinparadise]

Not the same NYG that failed on that decision. Harbaugh in charge is different and makes previous failures inconsequential to now. If you’re not sure of that just ask him or the fawning (for now) NY media.

(And it’s capitalize not capitalise unless the author is British or Canadian.)

That's a good point. If you listen to Harbaugh he's some mix of Lombardi-Belichick-Shula-Gibbs all in one -- whatever he does, just ask him will lead them to a SB in short order. Whatever previous Giants coaches did is immaterial -- in the mind of Harbaugh.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

It’s gonna be wild when there are 2 surprise picks in the top 6, we’ll have all these shiny new toys on the table

I think there’s a balance in amongst all of this. I’m personally not sure AP has found that yet.

I agree, sometimes there are deals you just can’t win.

Teams still sat with $50m in cap space should have a better chance though…..

But this is draft…so will be interesting to see what balance AP finds in the draft with the picks we have. Quite a crucial movie at #7, especially if you get the usual left field selection or two before we pick.

I’ve made this point before: even if you have the cap space, you don’t want to upset the salary balance on your team. If they had gone up an extra 10% and lured him, you toss the salary balance out of whack and will have negative consequences for futures negotiations.

There is a balance. I actually think Peters has done pretty well with it.

As I said, I don’t mind overpays. And I don’t mind resetting the market when appropriate.

But you have to be judicious about it and understand all of the ramifications of doing so.

 

[skinsinparadise]

They posed this question to Keim, if its between Tate and Love who does he think they take? His answer: Love.

 

[Dlts20]

From today

 

[ES1974]

I’ve made this point before: even if you have the cap space, you don’t want to upset the salary balance on your team. If they had gone up an extra 10% and lured him, you toss the salary balance out of whack and will have negative consequences for futures negotiations.

There is a balance. I actually think Peters has done pretty well with it.

As I said, I don’t mind overpays. And I don’t mind resetting the market when appropriate.

But you have to be judicious about it and understand all of the ramifications of doing so.

Fair points. I obviously haven’t been here long enough post my ES break to pick up on them 😂

Regarding ramifications…we were 5-12 and everyone has us signing Jayden to a record breaking deal some time soon.

Best win some game in the interim. Let’s hope AP has the balance right.

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

I'm not the biggest PFF fan all the time. Chris Simms even talks about how guys may have better grades but aren't involved in a quarter of the high level plays as someone below them. He even said that when we signed Roberson this year. He was like that guy is a good corner.

His numbers are going to be lower because he's in fog fights with elite receivers while other guys have higher grades because they are hidden and not a part of the action.

I remember being on another teams board who had a player with a super high position rating and nearly all of the fan base wanted him gone because they felt like he was trash. He was then replaced. That stuff is extremely subjective at times.

There aren't many safeties playing against elite teams playing downhill in as many high level action plays as him. He has to basically make LB type plays except from further back and in the open field with how he was used as opposed to how our safeties were use and the types of tackles they had to make

Oh fully agreed on PFF grades. They are far more subjective than I'd like, and they lack information such as assignment based on this or that happening.

Missed tackle rate will be somewhat subjective but at least it's a little more objective than the grades. From that, his rates look to be roughly average for a pretty good safety draft class.

 

[skinsinparadise]