Matt Citak
"Make the Case" is officially back on Giants.com for the 2026 NFL Draft.
In this series, we look atprojections provided by analystsand then ask you, the fans, to weigh in on what the Giants should do in the draft.
With the draft a mere one week away, let's take a look at the second-round predictions from two of the best draft analysts in the business - ESPN's Mel Kiper and The Athletic's Dane Brugler, both of whom projected safety Caleb Downs to the Giants at No. 5 in their latest mock drafts.
Kiper's Pick
Pick at No. 37:Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
Height:6-foot-4 |Weight:316 pounds
2025 Stats:13 games, 801 offensive snaps, 396 pass block snaps, 0 sacks and 5 total pressures allowed
Accolades:First-Team All-American (2025), 2x First-Team All-ACC (2024, 2025), Brian Piccolo Award (2025), First-Team All-CUSA (2023)
"Rutledge started 43 games in college and gave up only two sacks. He could slide into a starter's role as a rookie."
Brugler's Pick
Pick at No. 37:Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Height:6-foot-1 |Weight:231 pounds
2025 Stats:14 games, 128 total tackles (63 solo), 1 sack, 11 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive touchdown, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defensed
Accolades:Unanimous All-American (2025), Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2025), 2x First-Team All-Big 12 (2024, 2025), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2025), Butkus Award (2025), Lombardi Award (2025), Check Bednarik Award (2025), Pony Express Award (2025)
"Rodriguez has a very average size profile, but his athletic versatility has made him a more instinctive linebacker and helps him play decisively. He should immediately compete for a starting role in the NFL." -- fromDane Brugler's The Beast
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