Feb. 27, 2026, 1:41 p.m. CT<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve followed most mock drafts this offseason, you\u2019ve probably noticed a common theme at No. 8 overall: the New Orleans Saints<\/a> selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The Fighting Irish standout has been heavily linked to New Orleans throughout the early stages of the draft process thus far.<\/p>\n As an electrifying talent at the position, Love is widely viewed as a top-10 prospect in this year’s class, defying the modern trend that often devalues the running back position. With rare home-run ability and true positional versatility, Love stands out as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in this year\u2019s draft class.<\/p>\n While speaking at the NFL Combine this week, Love was asked about the possibility of being drafted by New Orleans at No. 8. Love confidently embraced the idea and compared himself to an all-time Saints great to Timothy J. Jones for the State of the Saints Podcast<\/a>: \u201cI feel like I fit in well anywhere. I feel like coaches in the NFL have a plan for every player that they potentially want to draft. If I’m blessed to go to the Saints, I mean, they\u2019ll find a way to use me like they did Alvin Kamara. Just looking forward to go anywhere, blessed to go anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n By citing Kamara’s success as a three-down player, Love displayed not only confidence but a strong understanding of his own skill set. Like Kamara early in his career, Love thrives in space as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and brings elite explosiveness to the position. Kamara\u2019s versatility helped power one of the league\u2019s most dynamic offenses from the moment he arrived, and Love has the tools to make a similar impact early.<\/p>\n A Love-Kamara tandem would give the New Orleans Saints an electric backfield duo, that would stress defenses in a multitude of ways. Just as compelling is the developmental upside, learning from a player like Kamara could accelerate Love\u2019s transition to the NFL and equip him with all the tools necessary to thrive at the next level. He’s a clear target for the team at No. 8 overall.<\/p>\n