Giants Poised to Ignite with Jeremiyah Love in 2026 NFL Draft
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New York Giants hold the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and all signs point to Jeremiyah Love being their target. After a 2025 season marked by moments of brilliance and a tough injury to Cam Skattebo, new head coach John Harbaugh seems ready to lean into his Baltimore roots by creating a formidable dual-threat ground game. Securing the Doak Walker Award winner isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for energizing the Jaxson Dart era.
Thunder, Lightning, and the Harbaugh Way
John Harbaugh didn’t come to New York to play it safe. He’s here to dominate the trenches, and for that, he needs a backfield that can withstand the NFC East's challenges.
Jeremiyah Love brings top-tier credentials. The unanimous All-American rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025 at Notre Dame.
His explosive 4.36 speed and receiving skills make him a dual threat, averaging 10.4 yards per catch last season. Impressively, Love never fumbled in college-a stat that surely has Harbaugh grinning.
The strategy is clear. While Cam Skattebo brings raw power between the tackles, Love offers the game-breaking speed to challenge defenses.
Skattebo’s rookie season showed promise before a dislocated ankle ended his year after eight games. The Arizona State product tallied 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns, proving his toughness in the NFL.
Together, they form a “Thunder and Lightning” duo that could relieve pressure on second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
“You look at the way the league is moving, and you realize you need guys who can do it all. We want to be the team that dictates the terms of the game.
If you can’t stop the run, you can’t win in January. It’s that simple.”
- John Harbaugh, Giants Head Coach
The Fifth Pick Dilemma
Draft experts like Chad Reuter suggest the Giants might consider bolstering their defense with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs is a force, coming off a 2025 season where he allowed zero touchdowns and maintained a 50.5 passer rating when targeted.
However, the offensive need in New York is glaring. Drafting a running back in the top five hasn’t been done since Saquon Barkley went second overall in 2018, but Love’s 6.9 yards per carry average makes him a rare talent worth considering.
The atmosphere at MetLife Stadium has been chilly, and it’s not just the March wind. Fans are restless, having seen “safe” picks falter before.
There’s a strong desire for a playmaker who can turn a simple check-down into a 70-yard sprint. Love could be that spark.
If the Giants pass on him for defensive help, they risk leaving Dart in a stagnant offense. But if they make the move, the 2026 season might finally see Big Blue dictating the pace once again.