EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The clock is ticking, and the New York Giants hold the ultimate wild card in the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Joe Schoen sits at the No. 5 spot with a franchise-altering decision. While defensive stars like Ohio State’s Sonny Styles dominate the early mock boards, a fierce debate is brewing around Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. He isn’t just a traditional runner. He is a lethal offensive weapon.
New head coach John Harbaugh is actively shaping a ruthless roster culture. Quarterback Jaxson Dart needs more firepower to compete in the NFC East. You can practically feel the electric buzz around the Quest Diagnostics Training Center as the staff maps out the offense. The traditional running back market might be dead, but Love completely defies the mold. The 6-foot, 205-pound back torched defenses in South Bend, consistently dropping jaws with his precise route-running and blazing speed. Pairing his explosiveness with the gritty, bruising toughness of sophomore back Cam Skattebo could turn the Big Apple into an absolute nightmare for opposing coordinators. Schoen knows exactly what kind of talent he has on his radar.
Drafting a running back at five breaks nearly every modern analytical rule. But the chilly April wind whipping through the training facility carries a distinctly different energy this year. Harbaugh demands dominance. Love brings that exact winning pedigree from his historic collegiate run. Watching his tape, you immediately see a player who refuses to go down on first contact. He fights for every single inch. His unique journey from South Bend to potential top-five pick injects a raw, undeniable human element into a draft process usually dominated by cold measurables.
Passing on elite defenders like safety Caleb Downs or pure edge rushers like David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. carries massive risk. The Giants defense desperately needs teeth. But if Schoen pulls the trigger on Love, the Giants instantly field one of the most unpredictable offenses in the league. Rival defenses will lose sleep trying to double-cover Malik Nabers on the outside while tracking Love in the slot. The true test arrives next week when the war room doors lock and the picks become official.
