Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is all in on Jeremiyah Love ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, but might be about to square off against the former Notre Dame star twice per season.
Widely viewed as the premier prospect in the entire NFL Draft class, Love could be chosen in the top-10, where one of the Eagles’ bitter division rivals resides.
NFL Draft 2026: Jeremiyah Love linked to Washington Commanders
Cleveland Browns Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs with the ball during the first half of a NCAA football game against Navy at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in South Bend.
Over at Pro Football Focus, top NFL analyst Bradley Locker put together a list of Love’s perfect landing spots in this year’s draft, including sharing a backfield alongside Jayden Daniels with the Washington Commanders.
“The Commanders placed 15th in rushing EPA per play last season,” Locker points out for PFF. ‘With rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt flashing a 75.4 PFF rushing grade and 3.50 yards after contact per attempt across 216 snaps. Still, Croskey-Merritt fumbled four times on 175 carries, and his work as a receiver (43.4 PFF receiving grade) was a net negative. Washington did add free agents Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to the mix, although their cheaper one-year deals suggest that they aren’t considered multi-season solutions.
“Perhaps the Commanders could also view Love as a complementary receiver to Terry McLaurin. With Deebo Samuel still unsigned, Washington must boost a receiving corps that finished 22nd in PFF receiving grade and which lacks consistent options. Love and his 1.83 yards per route run could generate similar chunk plays, even if not truly aligned out wide.”
If Washington pulls the trigger on Love at No. 7, the Eagles’ defense will have the unenviable task of containing a “Deebo-lite” weapon twice a year.
Barkley may be Love’s biggest fan today, but that friendship will be put to the ultimate test the moment they find themselves on opposite sidelines in the NFC East.