Even with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary already on the roster, the New York Giants don’t seem completely satisfied with their running back room. At least that’s what their pre-draft activity following Wave 1 of free agency would suggest.
It started when the Giants were rumored to be heavily involved in the free-agent market for Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne before getting priced out by the Chiefs and Saints, respectively. That only added fuel to the idea when New York continued showing interest in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
On Thursday, the G-Men met with the 20-year-old running back for one of their pre-draft Top 30 visits, signaling a pretty clear level of interest in selecting the reigning Doak Walker Award winner (college football’s best RB) with the fifth pick in the 2026 Draft. But positional value stans would likely incite a riot if Big Blue took Love top five with other glaring roster holes still open and a backfield that already feels pretty full.
Which suggests the Giants might like Love a lot... just maybe not love Love.
And just because they might choose someone else at No. 5 doesn’t mean they’ll ignore the running back room entirely. On Friday, general manager Joe Schoen sent scouts to Arkansas’ Pro Day, signaling what could be a shift in their pursuit of Love.
Giants Pro Day visit hints draft plans could be moving away from Jeremiyah Love
According to draft analyst Tony Pauline (h/t SleeperGiants), Big Blue took a closer look at Razorback tailback Mike Washington in their quest to add as many running backs as new head coach John Harbaugh can fit in his pocket:
The Giants sent scouts to watch RB Mike Washington at his Arkansas Pro Day, per @TonyPauline
— SleeperGiants (@SleeperGiants) March 15, 2026
The 6’1, 233lb back ran a 4.33 40-yard time at the combine 👀 pic.twitter.com/h2gVANjfxO
Washington brings the exact type of smash-mouth football Harbaugh is looking to bring to North Jersey. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds, the 22-year-old is a true north-south runner who could instantly improve short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Not only is he a pound-the-rock-type back, but he also brings some serious speed for a player his size, running the fastest 40-yard dash of any running back at the NFL Combine. Funny enough, Love ran the second-fastest time. The former Arkansas standout is projected as a capable starter with shades of Chris Carson in his game.
With only two picks in the top 100 of the 2026 Draft, Washington will probably be off the board by the time the Giants pick at No. 105. A trade back in the second round could be advantageous, allowing them to pick up a later second and a third to give themselves a real shot at landing the projected Day 2 pick.
If Harby and Co. are looking for that perfect blend of explosive home-run hitter with ideal size, something Skatt and Tracy lack, then looking Washington’s way makes a ton of sense. And if the Giants fall in love with another running back not named Love, the ripple effects on their draft plans could get pretty interesting.