Giants Weigh Top Draft Prospect Jeremiyah Love Amid Offensive Line Needs

New York's GM and coach discuss the value of running backs and building the offensive line ahead of the NFL Draft.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football player or game scene, using bold colors and sharp, overlapping shapes to convey the complexity of the Giants' draft considerations.The Giants' draft strategy balances the value of top offensive talent with the need to build a strong offensive line.NYC Today

The New York Giants are considering Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but new head coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen say they will take the best player available regardless of position. The Giants have needs on the offensive line, particularly at right guard, as they look to build around young quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Saquon Barkley.

Why it matters

The Giants are in a different position than when they drafted star running back Saquon Barkley a few years ago, with a young QB and offensive core in place. However, the debate over the value of drafting a running back high in the draft continues, especially with a top prospect like Jeremiyah Love available.

The details

The Giants hold the 5th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love has emerged as a top prospect. Giants GM Joe Schoen said the team will take the best player available, noting their offensive line and skill position needs. Head coach John Harbaugh praised Love as a "very, very good" player, but said the team is focused on building the best overall roster. The Giants also have a need at right guard on the offensive line that they may address in free agency or the draft.

  • The Giants' draft meetings will begin on Thursday, March 30, 2026.
  • Coaches and players will return to the Giants' facility next week.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back from Notre Dame who is considered a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, who is preparing for his first draft with the team after 18 seasons with a previous organization.

Joe Schoen

The general manager of the New York Giants, who is working with Harbaugh to build the team's roster through the draft and free agency.

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' young quarterback who has established himself as a potential long-term answer at the position.

Saquon Barkley

The Giants' star running back who was previously drafted high by the team.

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What they’re saying

“This year's draft, we talked a little bit about the surplus value, and some of the better players in the draft may not typically be in the highest-paid positions outside of that, so you're at the mercy of what's available.”

— Joe Schoen, Giants General Manager

“I think you recognize all that. But the business is football. You know, we are a football business. That's what we do. And, you know, we're trying to make our fans happy. We want to win games.”

— John Harbaugh, Giants Head Coach

“I'd probably put very, very good player. Put a couple very's in front of that, maybe a couple more. He's really good.”

— John Harbaugh, Giants Head Coach

What’s next

The Giants will continue their draft preparations this week with meetings starting on Thursday, March 30, 2026. Coaches and players will return to the facility next week as the team finalizes its plans for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Giants are in a different position than when they drafted Saquon Barkley, with a young quarterback and offensive core in place. While the debate over the value of drafting a running back high continues, the team's focus is on building the best overall roster, including addressing needs on the offensive line.