ESPN NFL Mock Draft 2026 Has Jeremiyah Love to Surprise Team

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love projected to go 7th overall to the Washington Commanders

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In ESPN's latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is projected to be selected 7th overall by the Washington Commanders, a surprise pick according to previous projections that had him falling further in the draft. The Commanders recently signed free agent pass rusher Odafe Oweh, allowing them to focus on adding an offensive playmaker like Love to pair with quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Why it matters

The 2026 NFL Draft class features a talented group of running backs, with players like Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, and Travis Etienne already making waves in the league. Love's potential selection in the top 10 would signal that he is viewed as one of the premier offensive weapons in this year's draft, capable of making an immediate impact for the Commanders' offense.

The details

In ESPN's mini-mock draft, NFL analyst Field Yates projects the Washington Commanders to select Jeremiyah Love with the 7th overall pick. Yates notes that the Commanders' recent signing of free agent pass rusher Odafe Oweh allows them to focus on adding an offensive playmaker like Love, who he describes as a "dynamic, dual-threat player" that would "instantly supercharge" the Commanders' backfield.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A running back prospect from the University of Notre Dame who is projected to be one of the top offensive players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Odafe Oweh

A free agent pass rusher who recently signed with the Washington Commanders, allowing the team to focus on adding offensive talent in the draft.

Jayden Daniels

The starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, who would potentially benefit from playing alongside a dynamic offensive weapon like Jeremiyah Love.

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What they’re saying

“We can debate the merits of taking a running back early in perpetuity, but Love is a dynamic, dual-threat player who would instantly supercharge what was a middle-of-road backfield last season. Teaming up Love with Jayden Daniels could be a lot of fun.”

— Field Yates, ESPN NFL Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order will be finalized after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season. Teams will continue to evaluate prospects and make decisions on which players to target in the draft.

The takeaway

The potential selection of Jeremiyah Love in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft would highlight the depth and talent of this year's running back class, as well as the Commanders' commitment to building a dynamic offense around young quarterback Jayden Daniels.