The New York Giants find themselves in all too familiar territory as they head into the 2026 NFL Draft. Another first round and another top-five pick for the G-Men. But, as fate would have it, along with the No. 5 pick in this year's draft, they secured the No. 10 pick after trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals. With two Top 10 picks, Big Blue really has its pick of the litter in terms of top prospects, but they need to be careful not just to take the best player available.
In Alex Ballentine's recent article for Bleacher Report, he listed out the prospects each team needs to avoid. For our beloved Giants, he said the "don't pick" prospect was Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Love is highly regarded as one of the best overall players in the draft. He's a sure-fire Top 10 pick and potential franchise changer.
He's going to be a nice addition to whichever team takes him, but Ballentine is right. Big Blue needs to stay away.
The Giants have so many roster holes they need to fill and can't afford to waste a pick on a position that isn't a need. Rookie standout Cam Skattebo will be back from injury, and even if his progress is delayed, Tyrone Tracy and handle the load in the meantime. Is it possible Love is better than both these guys combined? Of course, but Love isn't what the Giants need right now.
Giants need to dodge Love and look elsewhere on draft night
After being gift-wrapped the No. 10 pick in the Lawrence trade, Big Blue got another chance to bolster this roster. It's been clear since the offseason started what was needed on draft night to steer this team's ship in the right direction. At No. 5, the pick needed to be either Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs. Now that there are two picks up for grabs, it keeps the Giants' options open.
They have a chance to get both, depending on how picks 6-9 go. Or, they could take one of Styles or Downs at No. 5 and grab wide receiver Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate, depending on what John Harbaugh thinks goes best with his system.
Everyone on the planet knows this team needs help at linebacker, safety, and receiver primarily. Joe Schoen and Co. would be crazy to draft anything but one of those positions in the first round.
Love has all the makings of being a great player in this league, and he could be a great Giant. Unfortunately Love and the Giants just don't match up. The G-Men are a good draft away from being a true playoff contender, and if they draft for need and not best available on Thursday night, there's a good chance they see the postseason in 2026.
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