Jeremiyah Love is a three-down running back. If he was a baseball player, he would be described as a "five-tool player". Love should go much higher than running backs tend to go, because he doesn't need to come off the field. Regardless of the situational football. To say he is a reliable receiver would be a dramatic understatement.
His strength and speed are assets in ever aspect of his game. His speed diminishes a defender's pursuit angles. He's adept at finding developing holes with the patience to hit those holes at the opportune moment. He can win on power runs as well as speed runs.
At 6'0, 200 pounds he is not a liability in any phase of the game. Allowing NFL front offices to view Love as a 'weapon' more than just a running back. One unnamed NFC Personnel Director told NFL.com "“It’s hard to extend drives, so you look for skill players who get you to the end zone with the least amount of plays. He’s that kind of player.”
Here's a look at where Love is projected to land in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jeremiyah Love NFL Draft projections
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr - No. 4 Tennessee Titans
Here is where things get interesting. We haven't seen a running back go in the top four since Saquon Barkley (No. 2 in 2018), and the Titans certainly have a long list of issues -- even after aggressively spending in free agency last week. But Tennessee is committed to boosting the offense around second-year quarterback Cam Ward, and Love would take the run game to another level while also serving as a dynamic pass catcher. His game features 4.36 speed, excellent vision, run-you-over power and soft hands.
Love would be an immediate upgrade over Tony Pollard for new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
The Ringer's Todd McShay - No. 5 New York Giants
I’m not fully convinced this is the pick. Pairing Sonny Styles with recently signed LB Tremaine Edmunds could be tempting for the Giants, and I like Caleb Downs here as well. But league intel suggests the Giants are one of the most likely teams to take Love in the top 10 (along with the Commanders and Chiefs, or possibly a team like the Rams in a trade up). If you’re drafting a back this high, he needs to be a weapon—and Love is. With excellent speed (4.36 40), natural hands, and a real route-running ability, he gives Jaxson Dart a true explosive outlet.
NFL Network's Rhett Lewis - No. 4 Tennessee Titans
There’s been plenty of conversations about the Titans passing on Love if he's available at this slot, but it makes too much sense to me to support last year’s No. 1 overall pick, QB Cam Ward by handing him the most dynamic offensive player in this draft.
ESPN's Peter Schrager - No. 4 Tennessee Titans
I interviewed Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi for "The Schrager Hour" in March, and he made pointed statements about Robert Saleh's previous teams always having "waves" of pass rushers. That might suggest Tennessee could think about Bailey or Reese if they are still on the board, or perhaps even Miami's Rueben but I just don't think the Titans will pass on Love. This is a dynamic player who can do it all. He ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.
Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald - No. 5 New York Giants
John Harbaugh loves to have a team that can run the ball and being able to pair Love in the backfield with Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart would accomplish that. Skattebo is coming off a major injury to his leg from last season, giving the Giants a reasonable opportunity to add Love to the roster without overloading at the position. If Malik Nabers can pick up where he left off and get back to his rookie-level production, the Giants would have a talented group of young playmakers to try and be competitive with.
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell - No. 7 Washington Commanders
Washington needs Jayden Daniels to remain on the field in 2026 after he missed 10 games because of three different injuries: a knee sprain, a hamstring strain and a dislocated elbow. The Commanders need a run game that isn't so reliant on Daniels; he ran for an NFL rookie quarterback record 891 yards in 2024. Dan Quinn saw how much having a dominant running back like Marshawn Lynch helped his "Legion of Boom" Seattle Seahawks defense years ago, so he gets himself one here with Love.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler Big Board ranking - No. 2 overall
Love is an explosive athlete with a remarkable blend of balance and burst to be dynamic as both a runner and in the passing game. He is one of the most talented players in the 2026 draft class and projects as a high-upside NFL weapon.
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