April 3, 2026, 6:06 a.m. ET
In his latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 5 overall pick for the New York Giants, signaling growing momentum for the dynamic playmaker landing in New York.
Kiper, who typically avoids early-round running backs, made an exception for Love, describing him as far more than a traditional ball carrier.
I know, I know. Kiper doesn’t like early-pick running backs. But Love is so much more than just a running back. He’s a dynamic playmaker who could elevate Jaxson Dart and this Giants offense to another level.
The 6-foot, 212-pound Love burst onto the scene in 2025, racking up 1,652 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns while showcasing elite speed with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. His versatility as a receiver and big-play threat has drawn comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs.
Recent buzz has intensified the link between Love and the Giants. The team hosted him for a top-30 visit, conducted extensive pre-draft due diligence, including NFL Combine meetings and Notre Dame game attendance, and saw head coach John Harbaugh express high praise, calling Love a “very, very good player” and stressing a best-player-available philosophy.
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League intel from Todd McShay has also pinpointed the Giants among the top suitors for Love in the top 10.
With quarterback Jaxson Dart at the helm and a run-oriented scheme featuring veteran Cam Skattebo, adding Love could provide the explosive element needed to transform the Giants’ offense.
Kiper’s pick suggests even he views Love as an impact player who goes above and beyond positional value.
