The New York Giants own the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. What they decide to do with that pick is up in the air but Louis Riddick, a former NFL player and now broadcaster and analyst, isn't ruling out that Jeremiyah Love could be who the Giants take at five.
During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Riddick was asked why the Jets would pass on Love at two. Riddick explained that the Jets are likely going to franchise tag Breece Hall and then he pivoted to discussing the other teams with top five picks and why they might draft Love.
When he got to the Giants at five, Riddick explained that he could see New York taking the Notre Dame running back to 'right a wrong', so to speak. Riddick said that the whole Saquon Barkley saga could be precisely why the Giants opt to forego other needs with the fifth overall pick and take Love.
"Could Tennessee wind up taking him? Could Arizona wind up taking him? Could the Giants at five for sure wind up taking him? I absolutely think so. I absolutely think that he may not get past the Giants at five," Riddick said. "[The Giants] saw what they gave up (when they let Saquon Barkley leave)... But they saw the difference that [Barkley] can make. They saw the difference that he can make."
Louis Riddick says Giants could draft Jeremiyah Love to fix Saquon Barkley mistake
It's true that the Giants lived to regret letting Barkley leave in the 2024 offseason, as he went on to rush for over 2,000 yards and helped the rival Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl. It was a painful experience for Giants fans but it shouldn't be something they let influence their decision in this draft, not when they have other needs on the board.
Love has not been tied to the Giants much in mock drafts and it makes sense why that's been the case. They already have a promising star running back in last year's fourth-round sensation Cam Skattebo, who was a lot of fun to watch until his season-ending injury midway through the year. Yes, Love is arguably the best player in this draft but the Giants have so many other needs if they want to dig themselves out of the hole they're currently in.
The Barkley saga was a painful one for the Giants but taking a running back fifth overall to try and fix that mistake simply wouldn't be a wise move for this franchise. Let's hope they don't listen to Riddick's advice here.