The John Harbaugh era begins this week for real for the New York Giants, which means a return to basics for Big Blue. They will establish the run on offense, while the defense will focus on stopping it.
That is why many are predicting that if Notre Dame’s stud running back Jeremiyah Love is on the board when the Giants are on the clock at No. 5 in two weeks at the 2026 NFL draft, they will pull the trigger, and quickly.
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Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic is one of those analysts in that camp and added this commentary in his latest mock draft.
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Throughout John Harbaugh’s run with Lamar Jackson, the head coach generally made sure his quarterback’s best friend was a powerful and dynamic run game. Love is my top-ranked player in this class — a true three-down weapon and an offensive coordinator’s dream. I believe he’s a better prospect than Ashton Jeanty was a year ago and belongs in the Bijan Robinson-Jahmyr Gibbs tier.
The addition of Love next to second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart is an enticing prospect. The Giants already have a decent rushing attack with Tyrone Tracy Jr., Cam Skattebo, and Devin Singletary. Love would make them almost unstoppable, hence the Giants’ interest in him.
In Round 2, Baumgardner mocks Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion to the Giants. He is a versatile wideout known for his big-play ability. With Wan’Dale Robinson leaving for Tennessee in free agency, the Giants have an opening for a quick slot-type receiver.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Giants predicted to select Jeremiyah Love in Round 1