The New York Giants are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with some intriguing options on the table. Among them is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who’s been turning heads as a top prospect.
If John Harbaugh’s offseason moves are any indication, Love could be a prime candidate for the Giants’ fifth overall pick. But the big question is whether Love will still be available when it's their turn to draft.
Jeremiyah Love stands out as the premier running back in this draft class. His talent places him in the same league as recent stars like Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson.
That’s some elite company, and it’s no wonder he’s generating buzz. However, with other needs to address, the Giants might benefit from focusing on their defense or offensive line with their early pick, leaving running back for later rounds.
Enter Penn State’s Kaytron Allen, a potential gem for teams willing to wait until Day 3. Pro Football Focus’ Jordan Plocher highlights Allen as a solid option, and it’s easy to see why.
Allen has been a standout since his freshman year, racking up over 4,000 rushing yards despite sharing carries with another top prospect, Nicholas Singleton. His consistent performance, including 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, speaks volumes.
The Giants don’t necessarily need a star running back to lead the charge. They’re looking for someone to complement the versatile duo of Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr., especially as Skattebo returns from a season-ending injury. Allen could be the perfect fit, offering the kind of production that’s hard to pass up in the later rounds.
Harbaugh’s offensive strategy thrives on a diverse backfield, not just a two-man committee. With Skattebo as the power runner and Tracy as the receiving threat, Allen could slot in as the short-yardage specialist.
At 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds, he’s built for those tough, goal-line situations. His impressive 91.3 rushing grade from PFF, second only to Love, underscores his potential value.
In essence, while Love is a tantalizing prospect, the Giants might find greater overall value by addressing other needs early and snagging a versatile back like Allen later in the draft. This approach could provide the depth and flexibility Harbaugh loves in his offensive schemes.