Jeremiyah Love projected to be top-5 pick in latest NFL mock draft
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Over the past decade, running backs have become the redheaded stepchild of the NFL Draft. Few teams have wanted one rusher to handle a full workload, and even fewer have wanted to pay up for a tailback who could withstand the rigors of such treatment.
This remains the case across most of the league. However, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry’s success in 2024 opened the door for a running back renaissance. Add in Ashton Jeanty’s selection at No. 6 overall in 2025, and Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love could be the biggest beneficiary of a return to prominence for bellcow halfbacks.
In his mock draft 1.0, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice had Love going to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 overall. Filice believes Love would be a “true sidekick” to Cam Ward in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s system.
“Tennessee’s roster has plenty of holes, and it’s not hard to imagine Robert Saleh infusing his defense with some fresh edge talent,” Filice wrote. “However, the Titans’ new head coach understands the all-important need to support [Cam Ward]… Love’s the kind of multi-faceted home run hitter Ward could lean on.”
If Tennessee selected Love, he would be the first running back since Barkley (No. 2, 2018, Giants) to go top 5 in an NFL Draft. The Titans, New York Jets — who own the No. 2 pick and could lose Breece Hall in free agency — and Arizona Cardinals (No. 3 pick) could all use a running back of Love’s caliber.
For this reason, Kalshi estimates that there’s a 75% chance Love will be taken in the top 5. The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Apr. 23.
