With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on the docket this week, SB Nation and Athlon Sports NFL analyst Doug Farrar joined the ‘Valentine’s Views’ podcast to preview the Combine and talk about the upcoming NFL Draft.
Below are some of the major takeaways.
Caleb Downs ‘absolutely’ worst No. 5 pick
We keep talking about whether or not Downs, the Ohio State safety, is worth being the third safety taken at No. 5 in the modern era.
“I think in in general when you look at Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James, Nick Emmanwori, there are more and more of these teamsplaying
more big nickel, which is five defensive backs but three safeties instead of three cornerback,” Farrar said. “In today’s NFL where it’s so important to be able to have that two-high light box thing and still be able to defend the run, if you can get one of those guys, it’s worth it.”
Farrar got some first-hand experience with Downs recently.
“I got to watch tape with Caleb Downs about three weeks ago. Got to interview him for the upcoming Athlon draft uh preview magazine cover story. Great guy, just knows ball. His father [1994 Giants draft pick Gary Downs] has been a coach, was an NFL running back. His brother Josh [Downs]is obviously in the NFL. His uncle is his uncle Dre Bly. I mean, he’s got bloodlines all over the place.
“He can really do everything you want a modern safety to do. Given the importance of that position now, I think should Caleb Downs be a top five pick? I think absolutely.”
‘Gold jacket’ players at No. 5
Giants coach John Harbaugh said recently that he wants players with “gold jacket” potential with the No. 5 pick.
I asked Farrar for players beyond Downs who might qualify. He mentioned two.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
“My favorite cornerback in this class, one of my top two or three favorite players is Mansoor Delane, the cornerback from LSU. The Giants with their new staff, they’re going to play a lot of man coverage and Delane
last year for LSU when playing man coverage allowed an opponent pass rating of 0.0. This guy is absolute Velcro from the first step through whatever route you want to run. He is on you and it just it’s non-stop. You will be it it’s claustrophobic when you’re covered by this guy. I think he has that potential.“
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Yes, the player most-often mocked to the Giants.
“Carnell Tate is sort of a scheme proof receiver with Ohio State,” Farrar said. “Now they have [Malik] Nabers so do they want to take another receiver that high? I don’t know.”
Farrar wouldn’t hesitate to add Tate to the Giants’ offense.
“You want him on that wall as an X-Iso guy,” he said. “If you have two X-Iso guys that really multiplies what your offense can do.
“Just because you have one great receiver should not preclude you from drafting another great receiver.”
Spencer Fano or Francis Muaigoa?
There is a split in the draft community between Utah’s Fano or Miami’s Muaigoa as to who is the best right tackle in the draft. Farrar is clearly a Fano guy.
“I am a Fano guy,” Farrar said. “I don’t know what to make of the Miami kid. I mean, he is a glass eater. He is a mauler.
“But that whole ass-kicking mentality, I see it show up in a negative sense when he needs to stay in phase and pass pro. There are times when he’ll just he’ll sort of lose his bearings.”
Farrar sees no such issues with Fano.
“Whether five is too high I you know that’s subjective but I’ve watched FO a lot he’s my favorite tackle prospect in this class because he comes in and for the next 10 years you don’t have to worry about right tackle. He is so clean his tape is so above reproach.
“You know this with offensive linemen, they only are really prominent if they do something wrong. You’re not going to hear Fano’s name a lot for the next half decade. And that’s obviously what you want in a pass protector and a run blocker.”
