The Cincinnati Bengals are coming out of the first few weeks of free agency with a clear set of needs for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Adding more help in the secondary, whether it's at cornerback or safety, is on the table. They could also use more pass rusher help, and interior defensive linemen or linebackers couldn't hurt either.
But one position likely not on their list of priorities is running back. And yet, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated named the Bengals as an interesting possible landing spot for top Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the 10th pick of the '26 draft.
Bengals linked to Jeremiyah Love with 10th pick
"The question then becomes whether there's a team with a need that values the position that way," Breer writes. You're right to look at the Giants and Titans at 4 and 5. Love would make sense for the Commanders at 7, as well, and the idea of him in the Bengals offense, with Cincinnati picking 10th, is interesting too."
There might not be a more surprising, but semi-realistic pick for the Bengals than Love in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Love's not likely to make it to the Bengals' pick at No. 10 overall, with the Tennessee Titans at No. 4, the New York Giants at No. 5, and the Washington Commanders at No. 7 likely to take Love if he's there.
More: ESPN analyst praises Bengals for Boye Mafe $60M signing
However, on the very small chance that Love makes it to No. 10 overall, taking him and pairing Love with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Joe Burrow would be incredibly appealing.
As good as Chase Brown is, adding someone as talented as Love would be hard to pass up. The Bengals could then either trade Brown for a decent draft pick or keep him and have one of the best RB duos in the NFL with Love and Brown.
Love had 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns for Notre Dame last year on 199 carries. He also caught 27 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Add on a great NFL Combine 40-yard-dash time of 4.36, and Love is a top-tier prospect.
If Love somehow made it to the 10th pick, the Bengals would surely have a tough time deciding whether to take him or not. This would be an interesting fit, though the offense, at least on paper, would easily have the highest upside in the NFL.
More Bengals news: