The New York Giants are gearing up for a potentially franchise-changing night in Pittsburgh, as they now hold both the fifth and tenth overall selections after a significant trade that sent Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati. In a recent mock draft roundtable from ESPN’s NFL Nation, beat writer Jordan Raanan said the organization would be “pinching itself” if the draft board allowed it to acquire both Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State.
General manager Joe Schoen reportedly views Love as a versatile “offensive weapon” rather than a typical running back. At the same time, Downs is regarded as one of the safest and most impactful defensive leaders in the 2026 class.
According to Peter Schrager’s final projections for ESPN, the draft could see a significant shakeup if Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese falls out of the top four picks.
Schrager suggests that although edge rusher isn’t a pressing need for New York, the chance to secure a blue-chip talent like Reese is too good to pass up, drawing comparisons to Leonard Williams’ unexpected slide in 2015.
Additional insights from Dan Graziano indicate that the Giants are prioritizing elite athleticism, with the decision at No. 5 likely to come down to Love or Downs.
Many around the league believe that Downs is the preferred choice over his college teammate, linebacker Sonny Styles.
Should the Giants choose to strengthen their defense at fifth overall, they are expected to target playmakers like Jordyn Tyson or seek offensive line support, such as Spencer Fano, with their tenth pick.
Despite various defensive scenarios, the connection between the Giants and Jeremiyah Love remains the most compelling storyline.
Raanan has consistently stated that if the Notre Dame standout is available at No. 5, head coach John Harbaugh will likely make a swift decision.
As the draft’s premier skill player, Love embodies the elite playmaker the Giants need to reshape their offensive identity.
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