Giants 2026 NFL Draft: Running back options on all 3 days of the draft

Jeremiyah Love | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The New York Giants watched Saquon Barkley walk out the door and right into a Philadelphia Eagles’ uniform, which helped their rival hoist a Lombardi Trophy. That sucks, of course, but the Giants have done a good job finding low-cost replacements for the talented super-star. Joe Schoen spent the 166th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Tyrone Tracy Jr.

and then the 105th pick in the 2024 draft on Cam Skattebo. Both backs are duel-use and effective players; the latter became a league sensation before his devastating lower-leg injury, and the former filled in well and has achieved back-to-back 1000+ yards from scrimmage seasons. The idea of using day three picks on an undervalued position, like running back, worked for the Giants, but the debate remains — should the Giants look to select a running back at five?

That running back is, of course, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. With that stated, here are running back options for the Giants on all three days of the 2026 NFL Draft. Day 1 Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame The Saquon Barkley debate is now rekindled with rumors circulating that the Giants may select Love with their fifth overall selection.

The Giants are in a completely different situation than they were back in 2018, with Jaxson Dart on a rookie contract, and the 2026 NFL Draft is devoid of top-end talent, blue-chip, talent. Sure, Love fits the bill as a blue-chipper, but Love will be one of the top paid running backs in the league if he’s selected at five — is that wise? I can see a scenario where Love is selected and I don’t hate it, even though there’s ammunition to suggest otherwise.