Over the past decade or so, the running back position has become devalued – and in some cases undervalued – in the NFL world. The position used to dominant offensive conversations, leading to blockbuster trades, high draft picks and big contracts for elite running backs. That simply isn’t the case anymore, as teams have realized that they can get good production from all types of running backs, for cheaper.
But over the past couple of seasons, there’s been a bit of a resurgence for the position. Saquon Barkley‘s epic season in 2024 led to the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl, and Derrick Henry was right on his tail on the verge of another 2,000 yard season. In 2025, Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson ascended to superstardom, while James Cook, Jonathan Taylor and others had huge seasons.
As we head into the 2026 season, there’s a notable name knocking on the door. A year after Ashton Jeany went 6th overall in the NFL Draft, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is hoping to do something similar this April. Many NFL franchises believe Love is the best overall player in the draft, but that doesn’t mean he will be drafted as such.
Could Jeremiyah Love slip out of Top 12 picks in 2026 NFL Draft?
There needs to be a team with a massive hole at running back for Love to be picked so high; simply due to the value of those picks and the shorter lifespan of running backs in the league. Following the first wave of free agency, the ideal landing spots for Love are drying up a bit. The Las Vegas Raiders are going to draft Mendoza first overall, and the ensuing picks don’t seem to be lining up for Love to go very high.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Will pick Fernando Mendoza and have Ashton Jeanty.
- New York Jets: Franchise tagged Breece Hall.
- Arizona Cardinals: Kept James Conner and signed Tyler Allgeier.
- Tennessee Titans: Have Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, could draft EDGE over RB.
- New York Giants: Drafted Cam Skattebo last year and have Tyrone Tracy.
- Cleveland Browns: Drafted Quinshon Judkins last year.
- Washington Commanders: Signed Rachaad White and have Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
- New Orleans Saints: Signed Travis Etienne.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Signed Kenneth Walker.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Have Chase Brown.
- Miami Dolphins: Have De’Von Achane.
- Dallas Cowboys: Re-signed Javonte Williams to multi-year contract.
The Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders could still seriously consider Love despite the running backs on their roster. Love would provide a completely different dynamic, but it’s fair to wonder if they’re willing to spend that high of a pick on a running back, especially in a class with great EDGE pass-rushers in that range.
After the Top 12, the Baltimore Ravens could select Love as Henry’s replacement at pick No. 14, but they’re in win-now mode. The New York Jets could also be an option with their second first round pick at No. 16, where Love would be fantastic insurance for Hall, who’s on a one-year tag.
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