Rather than prioritize defense or upgrading the offensive line, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes the New York Giants should instead target Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 5 pick.
In an April 2 mock draft with ESPN colleagues Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates, Kiper surprisingly advised the Giants to pass on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles, both of whom have frequently been suggested as fits at No. 5.
Love finished third in Heisman Trophy voting after rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry. He also impressed as a receiver, turning 27 catches into 280 yards and three touchdowns.
“I know, I know,” Kiper quipped. “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.”
Love is the only running back that the foursome had going within the first 45 picks. Kiper mocked Love’s teammate, Jadarian Price, to the Jaguars at No. 56, and Yates predicted the Seahawks would use the No. 96 pick on Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr.
The Giants cannot afford to draft Jeremiyah Love, given their current roster problems
No one is denying Love’s talent, not after he totaled over 3,000 yards from scrimmage the past two years. Most mock drafts from reputable outlets such as ESPN or NFL Media typically have Love going as early as No. 4 to the Titans, with the hope being that he’d give sophomore quarterback Cam Ward a dynamic, all-purpose weapon.
The problem, at least as it pertains to the Giants, is that they don’t need to take a running back that early. Very rarely does a running back selected within the top 10 truly elevate a team and accelerate a rebuild. In fact, Giants fans should know this, seeing as the team only reached the playoffs once during Saquon Barkley’s six seasons.
If the defense is that Barkley’s production justified taking him No. 2 in 2018, the counter is the team’s lack of success. There’s a reason why smart rebuilding organizations never pick a running back so early. Bijan Robinson has provided the Falcons with over 5,600 yards from scrimmage the last three years, but he’s also about to play for his third head coach. Ashton Jeanty took a beating behind the Raiders’ porous offensive line last season.
With seven total draft selections and the ability to add more via trade, the G-Men should have their pick (pun not intended) of potential Day 3 running backs. But taking Love and foregoing drafting Styles, Downs, or even Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa if he slips to No. 5, would be a massive mistake.