John Harbaugh could give Giants fans nightmares with shocking draft move

The New York Giants are still in the early days of a new era for the organization, with recently hired head coach John Harbaugh truly running the franchise's football operations heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. 

On Friday, Giants reporter Jordan Raanan of ESPN shared an update on Harbaugh's alleged mindset that may sound alarms among Big Blue fans who were previously hoping to enjoy their weekends. 

What John Harbaugh wants to improve about the Giants' offense

"Something you hear about Giants at combine," Raanan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). "They're seriously looking at some of the top running backs, both in draft + free agency."

Raanan suggested that acquiring Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr., Seattle Seahawks ball-carrier/Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker III or Notre Dame Fighting Irish star Jeremiyah Love is on the table for the Giants. 

"There seems to be a clear focus on becoming a more physical run-heavy team," Raanan added. 

The Giants' desire to bolster their rushing attack makes sense, on paper. While Cam Skattebo emerged as a playmaker and a fan-favorite during his rookie season, it's far too early to say how he will recover from the gruesome dislocation of his right ankle that he suffered this past October. ESPN stats show that Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the 2025 Giants with 176 carries and 740 rushing yards, but he is likely more of an RB2 for a contending team. 

That said, Etienne and Walker have been linked with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, among other potential suitors. The Giants are coming off a 4-13 season and, thus, have no business getting into a bidding war for any running back at this stage of their ongoing rebuild. 

Would John Harbaugh follow in the footsteps of a previous Giants regime?

As it pertains to Love, the Giants famously selected running back Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft when Super Bowl champion quarterback Sam Darnold and MVP signal-callers Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were available. One would think Harbaugh wouldn't want to go down a similar road at a time when logic suggests spending a fifth overall draft pick on any running back would be a bad business decision. 

As Bleacher Report's Doric Sam noted, Giants general manager Joe Schoen hinted earlier this week that he is open to trading the No. 5 pick for multiple assets. One can't help but wonder if Friday's update is related to Harbaugh and Co. trying to find out what the Giants could get in return for the fifth selection before April 23 draws near.