The NFL draft season is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable swirl of rumors, speculation, and hot takes. One name that’s been making waves is Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame running back who’s being touted by some as the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is the way Love’s potential selection at No. 5 by the New York Giants is being framed—not just as a football decision, but as a cultural and strategic litmus test for the franchise.
Let’s start with the obvious: Love is a phenom. Daniel Jeremiah’s description of him as a ‘dynamic weapon’ isn’t hyperbole. His ability to run and receive at an elite level, coupled with his knack for making defenders look foolish, is rare. But here’s the thing—running backs, no matter how talented, are no longer the cornerstone of NFL franchises. The league has shifted, and with it, the value of the position. So, when the Giants host Love for a ‘30’ visit, it’s not just about his skills; it’s about what his selection would symbolize.
From my perspective, the Giants are in a no-win situation here. If they draft Love, they risk reigniting the trauma of the Saquon Barkley era. Barkley, as great as he was, became a symbol of misplaced priorities—a franchise rebuilding with a running back at No. 2 overall, only to achieve minimal success. Fans still wince at the memory of Dave Gettleman’s stubbornness. Drafting Love at No. 5 would feel like déjà vu, a franchise repeating its mistakes instead of learning from them.
But here’s where it gets interesting: new head coach John Harbaugh has a reputation for embracing the run game. His recent signings—fullback Patrick Ricard, blocking tight end Chris Manhertz—suggest he’s doubling down on a physical, ground-and-pound philosophy. If you take a step back and think about it, Love could be the perfect fit for Harbaugh’s vision. Yet, this raises a deeper question: is Harbaugh’s approach aligned with the modern NFL, or is he fighting against the tide?
What many people don’t realize is that the NFL’s shift away from running backs isn’t just about analytics—it’s about sustainability. Running backs have shorter careers, higher injury risks, and are easier to replace than ever before. Teams like the Cardinals, Saints, and Chiefs signing free-agent backs instead of drafting Love early underscores this reality. So, if the Giants take Love at No. 5, they’re not just drafting a player; they’re making a statement about their identity and their willingness to defy conventional wisdom.
One thing that immediately stands out is Todd McShay’s assertion that Love is the best player in the draft, period. In his opinion, the best player doesn’t fall to pick 11, regardless of position. But here’s the rub: the NFL draft isn’t just about talent; it’s about value and fit. A detail that I find especially interesting is how McShay mentions teams like the Titans and Commanders as potential fits for Love. If the Giants pass, could we see a trade-up scenario? It’s possible, but it’s also a gamble—one that could backfire if Love doesn’t live up to the hype.
What this really suggests is that the Giants are at a crossroads. Do they prioritize need over talent, or do they trust Harbaugh’s vision and take a swing on a player who could redefine their offense? Personally, I think the latter is a risky move, but it’s also the kind of bold decision that could either make or break a franchise.
If you ask me, the bigger story here isn’t whether Love is worth the pick—it’s what his selection would say about the Giants’ identity. Are they a team stuck in the past, clinging to a run-first philosophy in a pass-happy league? Or are they a team willing to bet on a player who could be a game-changer, even if it means ignoring the lessons of the Barkley era?
In my opinion, the Giants drafting Love at No. 5 would be a fascinating experiment—one that could either validate Harbaugh’s approach or expose its flaws. What makes this particularly intriguing is the psychological aspect: how will fans react? Will they embrace the move as a bold step forward, or will they see it as a regression?
Ultimately, the decision to draft Love isn’t just about football; it’s about legacy. Harbaugh’s words about wanting a ‘gold jacket’ player resonate here. Love has the potential to be that kind of player, but the Giants must ask themselves if they’re willing to take the risk. From my perspective, it’s a gamble—but in the NFL, sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards.
So, is Jeremiyah Love in play at No. 5? Absolutely. But the real question is whether the Giants are ready to roll the dice on a player who could redefine their future—or haunt them for years to come.
