Getty
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love waits on the sideline during the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl.
The Washington Commanders, with one draft, could transform their offense. Pro Football Focus projected that the franchise would select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 7 pick in this spring’s draft. With a pick that high, you’d expect the Commanders to draft a position of greater need, like edge rusher, wide receiver, or defensive back. However, PFF feels that a talent like Love could be too good to pass up.
“An edge defender would be a strong consideration here for the Commanders, and they’d likely sprint the card in for either Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey. However, there’s something to be said for adding an elite talent if one falls. Love, who earned PFF overall grades above 90.0 in each of the past two seasons, could pair with Jayden Daniels to give the Commanders their version of the Baltimore Ravens‘ rushing attack featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.”
With veteran Von Miller not expected to return, the team does need edge help. Similarly, Deebo Samuel is expected to leave DC for a new home. As a result, the Commanders could pluck one of the elite receivers available. At the seventh pick, they should have a vast selection. [Presumably on the hot seat after a 5-12 season, head coach Dan Quinn could choose a player that helps him immediately while strengthening a weakness.
However, if Love remains on the board, the Commanders could not only strengthen a weakness but also make the run game an even bigger priority. In Love’s last 28 games, he tallied consecutive 1,000-yard seasons while scoring 40 touchdowns during that span.
Notre Dame Product Present Franchise Back Ability
Washington hasn’t enjoyed a 1,000-yard running back since Antonio Gibson in 2021. Since then, the running back-by-committee approach has dominated the offensive game plan. Furthermore, with a mobile quarterback like Jayden Daniels, the franchise slightly veered away from the workhorse back.
However, Love offers the ability to return. First, he is blessed with a decent size (6′, 214 pounds). He can run between the tackles with enough forward momentum and power to break tackles while gaining positive yardage. Next, with top-flight speed, Love can outrun most defenders. With the initial explosion, Love clears the line of scrimmage.
In the open field, second and third gears give him distance from defenders in pursuit. Lastly, as a receiver out of the backfield, he uses excellent vision and spatial awareness to rip off sizable yardage in the passing game. Last season, the back averaged 10.4 yards per catch and scored three touchdowns.
GettyNotre Dame runnibg back Jeremiyah Love run for a touchdown during a November 22, 2025 game aginst Syracuse.
Would a Daniels/Love Combination Equate to Jackson/Henry?
While the author mentions the Baltimore Ravens’ starting quarterback/running back duo as a parallel, Love would give Daniels something a little different. Granted, Henry catches 77.1% of his targets and wins matchups with defensive backs trying to make the tackle.
Yet, Love’s acceleration and long speed are the difference. With Henry, he can take the ball the distance on the handoff because of his downhill running style. Meanwhile, Love can flow away from the line of scrimmage and speed past defenders who arrive late to the play.
GettyJeremiyah Love runs for a touchdown against Boston College.
Another Beneficiary of Love Would be Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Adding an elite college running back to the position group helps Daniels, lightening his carry load and helping to prevent potential injury. Additionally, Merritt, the second-year rusher, would see his carries drop, which would allow him to remain fresher.
If the Commanders pass the carries in a 70/30 division, Croskey-Merritt would see longer gains due to the lack of absorbed punishment. On top of that, should Love get injured, he’d step in quickly and provide a solid replacement.
Love may not be the Commander’s first choice in the opening round. However, teams may not pass up on a player that could automatically transform the offense, lengthening drives and fatiguing defenses.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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