The debate is heating up among New York Giants fans about whether head coach John Harbaugh should make Notre Dame's standout running back, Jeremiyah Love, the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It seems like Giants supporters might need to get accustomed to the idea of Love donning the blue jersey soon.
So, are the Giants really leaning towards drafting Jeremiyah Love this spring?
In his latest mock draft, Todd McShay from The Ringer sheds some light on why the Giants might snag Love with the No. 5 pick. According to McShay, "League intel suggests the Giants are one of the most likely teams to take Love in the top 10."
Love's blazing speed (a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash), coupled with his natural catching ability and route-running skills, makes him a potent offensive weapon. He could provide quarterback Jaxson Dart with a dynamic option, signaling a clear offensive strategy focused on the run game and play-action, akin to the Baltimore Ravens' approach with Lamar Jackson.
Pairing Love with Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. could give the Giants a formidable backfield, ready to carry the offense and play to Dart’s strengths.
The Giants had previously been linked to free-agent running backs Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr., but both signed elsewhere. Meanwhile, Skattebo is on the mend from a severe ankle injury he sustained last October.
Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post also believes the Giants have their eyes on Love. However, there’s a faction that argues for selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs if he’s available at the fifth pick.
The idea of choosing Caleb Downs over Jeremiyah Love is worth considering for the Giants. Field Yates from ESPN notes that the Giants have bolstered their safety room through free agency by adding Jason Pinnock and Ar'Darius Washington alongside Jevon Holland. In today's NFL, where defenses frequently deploy three safeties, the Giants might find value in securing Downs, even if it doesn’t seem like an immediate need.
Interestingly, both McShay and Yates predict that Love and Downs will be available when the Giants make their selection. Yates even describes Love as "the most dynamic offensive player in this class." The decision at the fifth pick will certainly be one to watch, as it could shape the Giants' strategy for years to come.