Commanders Excited About Drafting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes Love could fall to Washington at No. 7 overall.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:26pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, with sharp planes of navy, burgundy, and silver creating a dynamic, multi-angled composition.A cubist interpretation of a Washington Commanders running back bursting through the line of scrimmage, hinting at the team's potential to draft an explosive offensive weapon.Philadelphia Today

The Washington Commanders could be in luck when it comes to drafting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes Love could fall to the Commanders at the No. 7 overall pick, as the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 may opt to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles instead. Bowen thinks Love would be an ideal fit in Washington's offense, providing a dynamic playmaker to pair with quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Why it matters

The Commanders have been searching for an explosive running back to complement their passing attack led by Daniels. Love's ability as both a runner and receiver could provide the offensive balance Washington is seeking.

The details

Love is projected as one of the top running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. He had 39 rushes of 10 or more yards last season, the sixth-most in the country. Bowen believes Love's versatility as a runner and pass-catcher would thrive in the Commanders' offense under new coordinator David Blough.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • The Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick in the draft.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A running back prospect from Notre Dame who is projected to be a top draft pick in 2026.

Jayden Daniels

The starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders.

Sonny Styles

A linebacker prospect from Ohio State who could be selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 4 overall pick.

David Blough

The new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.

Rachaad White

A running back who recently signed with the Commanders in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Love could go as high as No. 4 to Tennessee, but for this exercise, the former Notre Dame star fits in Washington. New coordinator David Blough can bring more balance to the call sheet with Love -- a scheme-transcendent player -- as a runner and maximize his traits as a receiver, similar to how running back Jahmyr Gibbs is used in Detroit.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

“Quarterback Jayden Daniels is in serious need of a high-percentage target who can rattle off explosive plays. Love had 39 rushes of 10 or more yards last season, sixth most in the country. His volume as a pass catcher should expand in a pro offense. Love could slot into the lead role here, with free agent signing Rachaad White also seeing touches.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Commanders will have to wait until the 2026 NFL Draft in April to see if Jeremiyah Love falls to them at the No. 7 overall pick.

The takeaway

The potential pairing of Jeremiyah Love and Jayden Daniels in the Commanders' backfield could provide the offensive firepower Washington has been seeking. Love's versatility as both a runner and receiver would complement Daniels' skills and give the Commanders a dynamic one-two punch in the ground game.