INDIANAPOLIS, IND — The New York Giants are starting a brand new chapter. John Harbaugh is their head coach, with a new staff and feel of the team. They go into the draft with the fifth overall pick and a star quarterback in the making.
The Jeremiyah Love Connection
The biggest whisper in the hallways of Lucas Oil Stadium is the Giants’ fascination with Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. Harbaugh has always prioritized a bell-cow back who can pass-protect and punish defenses in the fourth quarter. Love (6’0”, 210 lbs) is viewed as the perfect schematic fit for the gap-heavy run scheme Harbaugh brought from Michigan/Baltimore.
Love’s 10-yard split (the first 10 yards of the 40-dash) reportedly “blew away” the Giants’ scouts. It’s that initial burst that makes him a nightmare in the screen game for Jaxson Dart. While he’s a fringe Day 1/Early Day 2 talent, the rumor is the Giants would be thrilled to snag him if they trade back from No. 5 or use their high second-rounder to secure the backfield for the next five years.
The issue with drafting someone like Love for the Giants is they already have Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy under contract. I still think Love is a perfect fit for the Giants and their needs. Having watched a lot of Love at Notre Dame, his dynamic play style makes things happen on the field. Instead of looking at it as there are too many running backs, the Giants can use it to their advantage in terms of play calling.
The Buckeye Pipeline: Sonny Styles at No. 5?
If the draft started today, the consensus among Indy insiders is that Ohio State’s Sonny Styles is the “Harbaugh Pick.” At 6’5” and 245 lbs, Styles represents the “positionless” defender the Giants missed last year. He can play downhill like a linebacker but has the range of a safety. Word is Styles’ formal interview with the Giants was “intense and football-heavy.” Harbaugh reportedly loves his football IQ, which fits the “Ravens North” culture being built in East Rutherford.
The Giants need defense. Their offense was not the biggest issue last season. Adding a stark defenseman who can play all over would be something beneficial to the Giants.
Perimeter Protection: The Mauigoa vs. Fano Debate
While the skill positions get the headlines, the Giants spent a significant amount of time with the top tier of Offensive Tackles.
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Francis Mauigoa (Miami): Seen as the mauler Harbaugh wants. If the Giants stay at No. 5 and Styles is gone, Mauigoa is the safe, foundational pick to keep Dart upright.
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Spencer Fano (Utah): Rumored to be the finesse alternative. Scouts noted his footwork was the cleanest in the drills, but there are questions about whether he fits the “bully ball” mentality Harbaugh is installing.
Quick Hits: Rumors from the Podium
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The Giants are looking for a “Z” receiver to complement Nabers. Carnell Tate’s route-running at the Combine was described by one AFC scout as “Sunday ready.”
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The Giants are looking for a heavy-handed interior lineman on Day 3. Keep an eye on Peter Woods; the rumors are that Dexter Lawrence has already been “mentoring” him via text.
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With Xavier McKinney long gone and the secondary in flux, Caleb Downs remains the “dream” target if a trade-down scenario manifests.
The Giants aren’t just drafting players; they are drafting a “type.” Whether it’s the explosive physicality of Love or the versatile dominance of Styles, the 2026 plan is clear: out-muscle the NFC East. Harbaugh will have his paws all over this draft, and the Giants and their fan need to trust him and his process.