'League intel' reportedly suggests Giants could make this Jeremiyah Love draft decision

Whether or not New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh could and/or should make Notre Dame Fighting Irish star running back Jeremiyah Love the fifth overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft has become somewhat of a controversial topic among Giants fans. 

It sounds like Big Blue supporters may need to get used to the idea of Love featuring for the club later this year. 

Are Giants "likely" to draft Jeremiyah Love this spring?

For his latest mock draft, The Ringer's Todd McShay explained why he believes the Giants could grab Love at overall choice No. 5.

"League intel suggests the Giants are one of the most likely teams to take Love in the top 10," McShay shared. "...If you’re drafting a back this high, he needs to be a weapon — and Love is. With excellent speed (4.36 40), natural hands and a real route-running ability, he gives Jaxson Dart a true explosive outlet. This would signal a clear offensive vision: build around the run game and play-action, similar to how Baltimore developed around Lamar Jackson. Pairing Love with Cam Skattebo (pre-injury form) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. gives the Giants a deep, versatile backfield capable of carrying the offense and maximizing Dart’s strengths."

The Giants were among the teams previously linked with free-agent running backs Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr., but those two ultimately signed with other clubs. Meanwhile, Skattebo is recovering from the gruesome dislocation of his right ankle that he suffered this past October. 

NFL reporter Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post also believes the Giants "covet" Love. However, others think the Giants will select Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs if he is available at pick No. 5. 

Caleb Downs over Jeremiyah Love "should not be dismissed" for Giants

"The Giants made strides in their safety room over free agency, adding Jason Pinnock and Ar'Darius Washington as help alongside Jevon Holland," ESPN's Field Yates wrote about predicting that the Giants will take Downs over Love at pick No. 5 for Yates' mock draft released on Tuesday. "But in a league where successful defenses deploy three safeties with greater frequency, what doesn't appear as a major need for the Giants should not be dismissed." 

For what it's worth, McShay and Yates agree that both Love and Downs will be on the board when the Giants are called to spend the draft's fifth pick. For Tuesday's piece, Yates referred to Love as "the most dynamic offensive player in this class."