Sometimes, you might need to take matters into your own hands to sort things out.
Now, what about those mock drafts?—they’re pretty strict, I suppose, since it’s all about how the selections fall. If we don’t stick to that, then why bother with a simulation at all?
This time around, we decided we had to make it work, even if it meant insisting Jeremiah Love be picked fifth overall. There’s a lot of chatter about whether the Giants would actually draft a running back that high. But honestly, this is less about making a prediction and more of an experiment. We just wanted to explore how the draft could unfold with Love as their first choice.
Luckily, I didn’t need to intervene. Love was right there when I hit “Start Draft.”
I went back to the Pro Football Network simulator and ran the draft through all seven rounds.
Here’s the summary of Mock Draft 4.0:
Round 1, 5th overall: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Previous selection: LB Sonny Stiles, Ohio State
In this simulation, the first four picks included QB Fernando Mendoza, Edge David Bailey, Edge Arbel Reese, and WT Carnell Tate. This left the Giants with various interesting choices like Stiles, safety Caleb Downs, OT Francis Mauigore, edge Ruben Bayne Jr., and cornerback Mansour Delaine. While Love hasn’t reached the notoriety of Saquon Barkley back in 2018, he’s getting close. Over the last two years, he scored 40 touchdowns and had 49 plays of at least 10 yards in 2025. He’s one of just four running backs in the last two decades who weighed over 212 pounds and ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Remarkably, he didn’t fumble once in three years. I think John Harbaugh is looking for a strong ground game, and Love could kick off as a game-changer. Cam Skatebo and Tyrone Tracy may be in the mix for carries, but it seems Love is the standout here.
Round 2, 37th overall: Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson.
Previous selection: DT Caleb Banks, Florida; G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M; DT Kristen Miller, Georgia
Terrell matched the school record for defensive backs with five forced fumbles in 2025. He stands at a solid 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, excelling in press coverage and showing versatility for both inside and outside roles. He should quickly take the starting spot over veteran Paulson Adebo and rookie Greg Newsome II. Interestingly, his younger brother, AJ Terrell, was a first-round pick by the Falcons in 2020.
Round 4, 105th overall: Brian Parker II, OL, Duke.
Previous selection: WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma State; WR Brennen Thompson, Mississippi State
Parker primarily played right tackle at Duke but is projected as a center who can also flex into guard. He’s 6-foot-5 and weighs 309 pounds—not the heaviest, but he’s competitive and smart. He might be a contender for the starting right tackle position. His cousin, Derek Lively, played basketball at Duke and currently is with the Mavericks.
Round 5, 145th overall: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Previous selection: CB Jadon Canady, Oregon State; LB Caleb Ellams Orr, TCU; RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State University
Fields surprisingly fell this far in our simulation. After a stint at the University of Virginia, he joined the Fighting Irish, finishing with 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns. He has impressive size at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, known for making big plays and outpacing defenders. Some even compare him to former Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who’s now on the Steelers.
Round 6, 186th overall: Keyshawn Elliott, LB, Arizona State
Previous selection: RB Adam Randall, Clemson; DT Nick Barrett, South Carolina; TE Sam Roush, Stanford
Elliott led Arizona State in 2025 with 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks over 12 games. He’s well-built at 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, showcasing strong character and work ethic, making him a solid choice for special teams.
Round 6, 192nd overall: Nate Verkacher, TE, Texas A&M.
Previous selection: G Fernando Carmona, Arkansas; TE Josh Cuevas, Alabama; LB Red Murdock, Buffalo
While he doesn’t have much of a record as a passing threat, he’s a capable blocker at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds—always seeking contact and able to play both in-line and outside.
Round 6, 193rd overall: DeShon Singleton, S, Nebraska.
Previous selection: LB Caleb Ellams Orr, TCU; CB TJ Hall, Iowa; CB Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina.
He tied for the team lead in interceptions and passes defended during his senior year. Singleton is a sizable safety at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, though speed may not be his strong suit when facing quicker receivers. He has worn the single-digit jersey for three consecutive seasons, a badge of honor for toughness on the team.
