Commanders Land Explosive 42-TD Star in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love could be the perfect fit for Washington's offense

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:04pm

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The Washington Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are in a prime position to add an elite talent to their roster. One player who could be an ideal fit is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who is projected to land with the Commanders in a recent NFL.com mock draft.

Why it matters

The Commanders are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and adding a dynamic playmaker like Love could provide a major boost to their offense. Love's combination of speed, power, and versatility make him an intriguing prospect, and pairing him with quarterback Jayden Daniels could create an explosive duo.

The details

Love is coming off a career year at Notre Dame, rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns while also catching 27 passes for 280 yards and three scores. He finished his college career with 2,882 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns, along with 594 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. Love's impressive combine performance, including a 4.36 40-yard dash, has only added to his draft stock.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back from Notre Dame who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love is coming off a dominant college career, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season with the Fighting Irish.

Jayden Daniels

The quarterback for the Washington Commanders, who could form an exciting duo with Jeremiyah Love in the team's offense.

Terry McLaurin

The Commanders' top wide receiver, who could benefit from the addition of a dynamic playmaker like Jeremiyah Love in the backfield.

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What they’re saying

“Adam Peters' aggressive defensive spending spree in free agency gives Washington the freedom to resist drafting strictly for need here. Even with the WR2 position opposite Terry McLaurin still looming as a logical target, Love fits exactly what Peters said he wants more of this offseason: "young, really fast, exciting, explosive talent." This multi-talented back adds another dimension for Jayden Daniels and the offense.”

— Mike Band, NFL.com writer

What’s next

The Commanders will have to weigh their options at the No. 7 overall pick, but Jeremiyah Love's talent and potential fit in their offense could make him a very appealing selection.

The takeaway

The addition of Jeremiyah Love could provide a major boost to the Commanders' offense and help the team bounce back from a disappointing season. Love's combination of speed, power, and versatility make him an intriguing prospect, and pairing him with quarterback Jayden Daniels could create an explosive duo in Washington.