Giants primed to make Jeremiyah Love mistake based on latest NFL draft rumor

When considering all the needs the New York Giants have on their roster going into the first year under John Harbaugh, the last thing the team should consider is taking a running back at No. 5 overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

Yet, the Giants have been linked to interest in Notre Dame superstar running back Jeremiyah Love. It's at least understandable why, as Love is widely viewed as the draft's best player, regardless of position.

But the Giants have much bigger fish to fry, with needs along the offensive line, at wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker, cornerback and safety. And, there are definitely players worthy of taking at most of those positions.

Making a selection of Love look even worse, the Giants already have a promising young back in Cam Skattebo, and a solid RB2 in Tyrone Tracy, so it's not like there's even a major need there.

Giants hoping to draft Jeremiyah Love

ESPN's Jordan Raanan stated on Tuesday that he "can't see John Harbaugh and the Giants passing on the draft's top skill position player and playmaker," which is the Notre Dame product.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler then chimed in, saying he's hearing that "people in the Giants building are holding out hope" that Love falls to them at No. 5.

Of course, that is not guaranteed to happen. Love has been rumored to be a possible pick for both the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, the two teams picking in front of New York.

For fans hoping the Giants go in a different direction, they'll be hoping one of the Titans or Cardinals save the team from itself.

History repeating itself?

Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

As the great Yogi Berra said: “It's deja vu all over again.”

Lest we forget, former Giants general manager Dave Gettleman made a similar move in the 2018 NFL draft when he took Saquon Barkley three spots earlier.

There was no question Barkley was one of the best, if not the best player in that year's draft. But Gettleman was also pounded for the decision because, as is the case this year, the Giants had much bigger needs to address.

It also didn't help that running backs have become devalued over the years and it has almost become taboo for teams to take them early in drafts.

Even the Las Vegas Raiders faced some backlash in 2025, when the team drafted Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 despite being in a rebuild.

The result? The Raiders were awful last season and now Pete Carroll is without a job after one season.

The Giants could make a much more impactful pick at No. 5, but instead they are intent on repeating history and making the same mistake a previous regime did.

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