The NFL’s evolving view of running back value has made Jeremiyah Love a top-10 lock, but his unique blend of speed and power could trigger aggressive trade-up moves from teams desperate to secure a premier offensive weapon before the draft.
The NFL‘s perception of running back value has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. For a four-year stretch from 2019 to 2022, not a single running back was selected in the first round until the 24th overall pick. That era ended dramatically in 2023 when the Atlanta Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson eighth overall, followed by the Detroit Lions taking Jahmyr Gibbs at 12th. Both have since proven to be elite offensive weapons, validating the investment. Last year, the Las Vegas Raiders doubled down by selecting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall, further cementing the new reality: elite running backs are once again premium draft assets.
Enter Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame star who has emerged as the consensus top running back in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-0 and 214 pounds, Love possesses an ideal combination of speed and strength that translates to both explosive rushing and pass-catching ability. His performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis didn’t just confirm his athleticism—it put the entire league on notice. With his stock already soaring pre-combine, Love’s measurable and on-field drills solidified his status as a likely top-10 selection.
Given his projected draft range, teams with picks outside the top 10 may find themselves forced to trade up to secure Love. The Tennessee Titans (No. 4), New York Giants (No. 5), and Washington Commanders (No. 7) have all been linked to Love in various mock drafts. A widely circulated mock draft from Luke Easterling projects the Titans to take Love with the fourth overall pick. But what about teams with later first-round picks who covet Love enough to bundle multiple selections? History shows that for a true difference-maker, teams will leverage their draft capital.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys possess the ammunition to make a significant trade-up move, holding two first-round picks: their own at No. 12 and an additional No. 20 from the Micah Parsons trade with the Green Bay Packers. While they re-signed Javonte Williams, who enjoyed a strong 2025 season with 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, his injury history makes him a precarious long-term solution. Acquiring Love would transform Dallas’ offense into a perennial powerhouse. Moreover, with the Washington Commanders holding the No. 7 pick and Jayden Daniels under center, the threat of Love landing in the division is real. The Cowboys cannot afford to let their biggest rival pair a franchise quarterback with a premier running back. Moving up to ensure Love—potentially even at No. 6—would be a strategic masterstroke.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders sit at No. 7, a spot where Love could easily be selected. However, if the Cowboys and Giants both signal interest, Washington might feel compelled to leapfrog them by trading up from their current position. The obstacle? The Commanders lack second- and fourth-round picks this year due to the Laremy Tunsil trade, drastically reducing their bargaining power. Could they offer their 2027 first-round pick to swap into the top five? It’s a steep price, but for a player of Love’s caliber, it might be justified. Securing Love would give Jayden Daniels a lethal weapon for years to come and solidify the Commanders’ offense as one of the NFL’s best.
Cleveland Browns
Quinshon Judkins showed promise as a rookie with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, but new head coach Todd Monken may desire a more explosive, multifaceted option. The Browns hold two valuable first-round picks at No. 6 and No. 24, giving them the flexibility to trade up. With many insiders predicting the Titans to take Love at No. 4, Cleveland could package their assets with the Arizona Cardinals (who currently own the No. 3 pick) to vault into position. Love would immediately upgrade the Browns’ running game and take pressure off quarterback Deshaun Watson, making the offense significantly more dangerous.
Pittsburgh Steelers
This scenario is unlikely but strategically sound. The Steelers signed Rico Dowdle to pair with Jaylen Warren, a backfield lacking the explosive potential to elevate the offense. With Aaron Rodgers potentially returning for one more season at age 42, pairing him with a home-run hitter like Love would maximize his final year. Pittsburgh possesses 12 draft picks, including seven in the first four rounds, allowing them to construct a competitive trade package without sacrificing their 2027 first-rounder—a crucial asset for selecting Rodgers’ successor from what is expected to be a deep quarterback class. Love would provide immediate impact while preserving future flexibility.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle holds the final pick of the first round at No. 32, meaning any trade-up would require a massive haul of current and future selections. However, the need is acute: Zach Charbonnet is recovering from an ACL tear, and the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency left a significant void. An offense featuring Love alongside wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be electrifying and could reignite the Seahawks’ contention window immediately. For a team with a history of bold moves, this trade-up could be the catalyst for a deep playoff run.
The running back draft landscape has irrevocably changed. Jeremiyah Love isn’t just another prospect; he’s the prototype for the modern NFL offense—a back who can dominate between the tackles and turn a screen pass into a touchdown. Teams that once hesitated to spend premium picks on the position now recognize that a transformative running back can be the missing piece for a championship run. As the draft approaches, expect Love’s name to be at the center of the most intense trade-up negotiations. The teams bold enough to pounce will reap rewards for years to come.
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