Running backs may not be paid as well as other positions, but they remain important. NFL teams with a special one, such as Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, or Christian McCaffrey, can gain a leg up on the competition.
Jeremiyah Love could be the next great running back.
The Notre Dame running back has been among the most talked-about players following last week’s NFL Scout Combine. Love recorded the second-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.36 seconds) among running backs in Indianapolis. His speed likely solidified his status as an elite prospect. Where will he land in the draft? Previously, he was viewed as a top-10 selection, but some now speculate that Love will be taken within the first five picks.
“I don’t think Jeremiyah Love gets out of the top five, and it won’t shock me if he’s the third pick in this draft.” 👀
NFL analyst Todd McShay expects BIG things for the Notre Dame RB in this year’s draft@McShay13 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/S6Z8NexMZc
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 2, 2026
NFL analyst Todd McShay listed Love as his top overall prospect. On Up & Adams, McShay told host Kay Adams that Love has impressed with his versatility. Love rushed for 1,372 yards as a junior, averaging 6.9 yards per carry and scoring 18 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns.
“He’s special,” McShay said. “You look at the top of the draft. We all agree that Fernando Mendoza is going No.1 to the Raiders. After that, it’s probably going to be an edge rusher to the Jets. Maybe Sonny Styles gets into that mix. But then you look at Arizona at three, Tennessee at four, even the Giants at five with (Cam) Skattebo coming off that injury, I don’t think Love gets out of the top five, and it won’t shock me if he’s the third pick of this draft.”
ESPN’s Louis Riddick said a running back coach told him that Love reminded him of a Hall of Famer.
“‘He moves with the ease and fluidity of Eric Dickerson,'” Riddick said. “I haven’t heard anybody in my entire time of scouting, since I got done playing, compare anybody to Eric Dickerson. Nobody. Not a single runner. That was pretty high praise.”
A RB coach on Jeremiyah Love: “He moves with the ease and fluidity of Eric Dickerson.” – @LRiddickESPN pic.twitter.com/5eMI8klyOE
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 2, 2026
It’s important to remember that the success or failure of a first-round pick can hinge on their supporting cast. Top picks can be negatively affected by bad teams. Last year, Ashton Jeanty was the top running back taken in the draft, going No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders. While Jeanty led all rookies in rushing (975), his season was considered a disappointment. He averaged only 3.7 yards per carry. Jeanty’s production was likely hindered by playing for the league’s worst team.
Circumstances matter. That’s why the most intriguing landing spot for Love might be the Kansas City Chiefs. He would be an ideal fit for the Chiefs, who need to ease some of the pressure on Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City ranked No. 24 in rushing last year at 106.6 yards per game. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt will be free agents, and the backfield badly needs a boost.
Notre Dame star RB Jeremiyah Love with an INSANE TD run!
Noah Eagle on the call for NBC. 🏈🔥🎙️pic.twitter.com/pOaslQl1UL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 9, 2025
However, after Love’s performance at the combine, he might not be available when the Chiefs pick at No. 9. Wherever he goes, Love has an excellent chance to make an immediate impact. The learning curve for running backs isn’t as steep as for other skill positions. They don’t necessarily need to know the entire offense. It’s plug-and-play. Exceptional athleticism can help them overcome minor mistakes.
If Love lands in the right spot, he may be the must-see rookie of the 2026 season.