March 19, 2026, 3:01 a.m. ET
It’s become increasingly likely that Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love will not be on the board when the Washington Commanders are on the clock at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love, the 6-foot-0, 212-pound running back who some consider the best overall player in the draft, ruined any chance the Commanders had of selecting him with a standout performance at the 2026 NFL combine.
A popular pick in mock drafts after the combine was Love to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 overall. Tennessee’s successful free-agency haul did nothing to dispel those rumors, as new coach Robert Saleh loaded up on defense and added a top receiver, Wan’Dale Robinson, for second-year quarterback.
Then, there is Washington’s NFC East rival, the New York Giants. With Tyrone Tracy, who rushed for 839 yards as a rookie two years ago, and Cam Skattebo, who was on his way to a standout rookie campaign in 2025 until he dislocated his ankle, the Giants certainly wouldn’t consider Love. Right?
Not so fast.
Remember, New York has a new head coach. John Harbaugh now calls the shots in the Big Apple. Sorry, Joe Schoen. And if he wants Love, he’ll get Love. That is, of course, if one of the teams ahead of the Giants do not choose him.
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ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter says the Giants — not the Titans — are the team to watch for Love.
“I think the Jeremiyah Love watch starts at five with the Giants,” Schefter said on Wednesday.
One player often mocked to New York since the combine has been Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Could the do-everything linebacker fall to Washington? And, if so, would the Commanders select him after signing Leo Chenal in free agency? They should, especially considering they’re different players. Styles would be the replacement for Bobby Wagner, and give Washington an elite defender, something it currently lacks.
As for the running back position, the Commanders have signed three in free agency: Rachaad White, Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols. For now, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is Washington’s starting running back, with White helping on third downs and in passing situations. However, if Love does make it past the Giants, it’s difficult to see GM Adam Peters passing on the draft’s top running back, and a player who could help quarterback Jayden Daniels take the offense to another level in 2026.