The Washington Commanders are keen on selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if he’s available at No. 7 in the NFL draft, which begins one week from now, and the franchise got good news on that front Thursday via a report involving the Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee picks at No. 4 and is one of two teams ahead of Washington in the draft order that might decide to spend a selection on Love, who is head and shoulders above every other RB prospect in the 2026 class.
However, Jason LaCanfora of SportsBoom reported April 16 that the Titans are not going to land on Love, even despite considerable speculation to the contrary, and will go with a defensive player instead.
“They’re going defense,” LaCanfora quoted a longtime personnel executive. “I love the running back, but [Robert] Saleh isn’t taking a running back there. If you study how this plays out, with a new head coach, that first pick is almost always on his side of the ball. There’s going to be a run on defensive players after (presumptive first-overall pick, quarterback Fernando) Mendoza, and he’s going to be in it.”
LaCanfora also cited a current general manager who said he also does not see the Titans landing on Love inside the top five.
“I’d be really surprised if they went running back,” the GM said, per LaCanfora.
Commanders Likely to Draft Jeremiyah Love if Opportunity Arises
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Meanwhile, Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports reported that the Commanders feel the exact opposite about picking Love if he falls to them at No. 7, even despite Washington’s many needs on defense including at pass-rusher, linebacker and cornerback.
“Several people tell me the team will jump all over Jeremiyah Love if he falls into their laps, with the direct quote being, ‘The team loves Love,'” Pauline wrote Wednesday. “He’d be an additional weapon for Jayden Daniels, who’s coming off an injury-plagued season, and would end Washington’s running-back-by-committee approach.”
Love finished third in Heisman Trophy voting last season after putting up 1,372 rushing yards and 18 TDs on 6.9 yards per carry. He added 27 receptions for 280 yards and three scores.
Jeremiyah Love Special Player at Running Back Position
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Running back is not a need teams typically consider inside the top 10 given the shorter shelf-life of the physically-demanding position and because the contract value of rookie deals is stronger for players who play premier spots, such as quarterback and pass-rusher, which cost much more than even the best RBs in free agency.
However, Love is one of the rare exceptions given his skill set and potential value to a franchise like the Commanders. Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently ranked Love as the second-best prospect at any position heading into next week’s draft.
“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,” Brugler wrote. “He is one of the most talented players in the 2026 draft class and projects as a high-upside NFL weapon.”
Commanders Get Good News on Jeremiyah Love Before NFL Draft