The Notre Dame Fighting Irish announced that running back Jeremiyah Love has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, where he’s expected to be the first running back selected.
Love entered the season as the consensus top running back in the draft class. He finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist and will likely hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft.
The only question remaining is how high Love’s stock will rise. Some analysts project him as a top-10 pick, though positional value concerns continue to dominate front office discussions.
His path to a first-round selection became more challenging during the legal tampering period ahead of NFL free agency.
Key Landing Spots Sign Veterans
Love appeared destined for an early Round 1 selection due to the number of teams needing backfield help.
The New York Jets had a decision to make on pending unrestricted free agent Breece Hall. The Arizona Cardinals’ running back situation remained unsettled. The Kansas City Chiefs were positioned to pair Love with Patrick Mahomes.
The New Orleans Saints lacked an offensive centerpiece.
Then the signings started. The Jets used their franchise tag on Hall before the tampering period began. The Cardinals have since signed Tyler Allgeier to a multi-year deal.
Both the Chiefs and Saints made additions to their ground games. Kansas City signed Kenneth Walker III while New Orleans inked Travis Etienne Jr.
That’s four teams in the top 10 that just secured starter-level backs.
Other early-picking teams aren’t positioned for a first-round running back. The Washington Commanders could use Love’s talents, but they’re more than one player away from contention.
The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t rushing to move on from Chase Brown. Passing on a defensive star for a running back could create locker room issues.
Could the Dallas Cowboys get involved at pick 12? Signing Javonte Williams suggests they’re set at the position. But Jerry Jones might not resist that kind of star potential performing at AT&T Stadium.
The Los Angeles Rams seem content with Kyren Williams. Derrick Henry isn’t ready for replacement in Baltimore. Maybe Bucky Irving fills Tampa Bay’s need?
It’s unclear where Love will land now. His floor has taken a hit during free agency.
Maybe a trade opens something for the Jets at No. 16. The Minnesota Vikings could get involved two picks later. It’s easier to envision Love falling later than expected in Round 1.
Love’s talent will still push teams to make moves. That conversation has intensified around the New York Giants at No. 5.
Giants Emerge as Option
New York has surrounded quarterback Jaxson Dart with a strong offensive line and superstar receiver talent. The Giants have added pieces at tight end and linebacker too.
Cam Skattebo is recovering from a season-ending ankle injury. There’s uncertainty about whether he’ll return to his previous form in 2026.
Pairing Love with Skattebo would create a less predictable offense. It keeps both backs fresh and raises the ceiling of the unit. It’s more justifiable than the last Giants running back taken in Round 1, with quarterback and offensive line situations mostly settled.
New York expects improvement in 2026. That means more leads and additional opportunities to let a running back control games late.
Head coach Brian Daboll has shown he’s willing to feature a running back. Dart would benefit from a lighter workload during his second season.
Love makes sense in East Rutherford for multiple reasons.
Free agency hasn’t helped Love’s draft stock. But with the Giants and Tennessee Titans still evaluating his talents, these veteran signings might not cause a Round 1 fall.
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 29-May 1 in Green Bay.
