{"id":782245,"date":"2026-02-28T13:39:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T13:39:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/782245\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T13:39:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T13:39:28","slug":"jeremiyah-love-mock-draft-best-fits-for-notre-dame-rb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/782245\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeremiyah Love mock draft: Best fits for Notre Dame RB"},"content":{"rendered":"

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love may not be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a>, but he could end up being the best overall player in the class.<\/p>\n

Love enjoyed a standout career at Notre Dame, during which he showed off an elite mix of power, vision and explosiveness as a runner. Across his final two seasons, the 6-0, 214-pound back averaged 1,507 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns per campaign and did well enough to finish third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Love should be a plug-and-play star at the NFL level and has a good chance to be a top-10 pick come April.<\/p>\n

Which teams might target Love in the 2026 NFL Draft? Here’s where the latest mock drafts have the 20-year-old being selected and which teams may represent his best fit for the next level.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

1. Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

1. Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

2. New York Jets \u2013 Arvell Reese, LB\/DE, Ohio State<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

3 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

3. Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Spencer Fano, OT Utah<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

4 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

4. Tennessee Titans \u2013 Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

5. New York Giants \u2013 Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

6 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

6. Cleveland Browns \u2013 Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

7 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

7. Washington Commanders \u2013 David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

8 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

8. New Orleans Saints \u2013 Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

9 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

9. Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

10 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

10. Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

11 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

11. Miami Dolphins \u2013 Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

12 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

12. Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

13 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) \u2013 Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

14 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

14. Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

15 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

16 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

16. New York Jets \u2013 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

17 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

17. Detroit Lions \u2013 Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

18 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

18. Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

19 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

19. Carolina Panthers \u2013 Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

20 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) \u2013 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

21 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

21. Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

22 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

22. Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

23 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

23. Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

24 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) \u2013 KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

25 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

25. Chicago Bears \u2013 Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

26 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

26. Buffalo Bills \u2013 T.J. Parker, DE\/OLB, Clemson<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

27 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

27. San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

28 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

28. Houston Texans \u2013 Blake Miller, OT, Clemson<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

29 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

29. Los Angeles Rams \u2013 Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

30 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

30. Denver Broncos \u2013 CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

31 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

31. New England Patriots \u2013 Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

32 \/ 32<\/p>\n

NFL mock draft: First-round projection going into the scouting combine<\/p>\n

32. Seattle Seahawks \u2013 Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

Jeremiah Love mock draft<\/p>\n

Love checks in as the third-best player and second-best receiver on USA TODAY Sports’ Ayrton Ostly’s big board. Here’s where the star running back has been projected to land in recent mock drafts:<\/p>\n

Jeremiyah Love best fitsKansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n

Love would fill a massive need for the Chiefs. Kansas City’s top two running backs from 2025 \u2013 Isiah Pacheco<\/a> and Kareem Hunt<\/a> \u2013 are set to be free agents and neither was particularly efficient last season. Love would be a true, three-down workhorse and the team could lean on him as Patrick Mahomes<\/a> eases back into action after a torn ACL.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The only question is whether the Chiefs would be willing to spend a top-10 selection on a running back. Kansas City has only once spent a first- or second-round pick on a running back \u2013 Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2020 \u2013 since Andy Reid became the team’s coach in 2013.<\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints<\/p>\n

The Saints seem content to roll with Tyler Shough<\/a> as their quarterback moving forward. For the 2025 second-round pick to find success, New Orleans will need to improve its stable of weapons outside of top receiver Chris Olave<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Love would be an upgrade over Alvin Kamara<\/a>, who turns 31 in June and is coming off a season during which he averaged a career-low in both yards per carry (3.6) and yards per reception (5.6).<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

Michael Carter<\/a> was the Cardinals<\/a>‘ leading rusher last season with just 333 yards. James Conner<\/a>‘s return from a season-ending foot injury could provide Arizona a boost, but he is turning 31 in May and averaged just 3 yards per carry across limited action last season.<\/p>\n

Love would give the Cardinals a reliable, offensive playmaker to help the team forge an identity as it seemingly heads for a split with starting quarterback Kyler Murray<\/a>.<\/p>\n

New York Giants<\/p>\n

John Harbaugh’s arrival in New York could coincide with the team adopting a run-heavy offense. The Baltimore Ravens<\/a> were routinely one of the most ground-dominant teams under Harbaugh, so adding a do-it-all running back like Love could be in the cards for the Giants<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Pairing Love with Cam Skattebo<\/a> \u2013 who was enjoying a strong rookie season for the Giants before a gruesome ankle injury prematurely ended it \u2013 would create a physical one-two punch at running back for the G-Men.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jeremiyah Love best fits, mock draft projection ahead of NFL combine<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love may not be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":782246,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2078],"tags":[4955,2825,375,390,2604,110745,117,746,1327,6000,7,3188,757,7805,118,110,751,4826,20534,28960,896,55,56,6,499,283,11191],"class_list":["post-782245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arizona-cardinals","tag-2026-nfl-draft","tag-alvin-kamara","tag-arizona","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-arizonacardinals","tag-ayrton-ostly","tag-baltimore-ravens","tag-cam-skattebo","tag-cardinals","tag-chris-olave","tag-football","tag-isiah-pacheco","tag-james-conner","tag-jeremiyah-love","tag-kansas-city","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-kareem-hunt","tag-kyler","tag-michael-carter","tag-mock-drafts","tag-new-orleans","tag-new-orleans-saints","tag-new-york-giants","tag-nfl","tag-patrick-mahomes","tag-tyler-shough","tag-usa-today-sports"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/116148543312717885","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=782245"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782245\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/782246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=782245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=782245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=782245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}