One of the needs the Minnesota Vikings have this offseason is at running back.
That’s because Ty Chandler is set to hit free agency, but a much bigger hole could be created at the position if the Vikings cut Aaron Jones, which is a real possibility.
If Jones gets the boot, the Vikings must add a starting-caliber player in front of Jordan Mason, who is a good RB2 but not someone Minnesota should be depending on for a lead role.
In what would be a nice surprise for the Vikings, Charles Davis of NFL.com predicts the Minnesota will have Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love fall into their lap at No. 18 overall in the 2026 NFL draft.
“Are teams undervaluing the running back position again? The Vikings cannot pass on a top-three talent in this year’s draft. Head coach Kevin O’Connell will find plenty of plays for him,” Davis wrote.
Love is easily the best running back in this year’s draft class, and he’s one of the best prospects overall, as the Notre Dame product is a true three-down back who can do everything on the football field.
He’s a powerful yet explosive runner and he has top-notch pass-catching skills that even allow him to line up in the slot. Love isn’t perfect in pass protection, but he’s better than most prospects in that area.
Adding Love would give Minnesota’s offense more explosiveness while also taking a lot of pressure off whoever is under center by drawing focus upfront, which will open things up on the back end.
While we would love to see this pick for the Vikings, it’s not something the team can depend on because Love could very well go in the top half of the first round, with teams like the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs being possible landing spots for the Notre Dame superstar.
As a result, if Minnesota does cut Jones, we’d still expect the Vikings to sign a veteran in free agency, even if they have their eye on Love in Round 1.
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