Jeremiyah Love draft projections: Compare expert mock drafts for Notre Dame RB landing spots

Apr 22, 2026 - 06:37

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Jeremiyah Love draft projections: Compare expert mock drafts for Notre Dame RB landing spots originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL Draft can be tough to predict, but experts, prognosticators and fans alike all seem to agree that Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love will be the first running back to hear his name called this year.

It's a fairly weak draft for running backs, at least in the early rounds, but Love won't be the first off the board by default. He lit up opposing defenses in his final season with the Fighting Irish and showed skills that can translate to stardom in the NFL in the process.

Ashton Jeanty proved in his rookie season that situation still matters, even for talented running backs. Love will hope to land with a team that will put him in a position to succeed from day one, but that isn't always the reality with so many struggling teams picking near the top of the draft.

Here's where the experts are projecting Love to land in the 2026 NFL Draft.

MORE: Sporting News' complete 7-round mock draft

Jeremiyah Love draft projections

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

Vinnie Iyer released a 3-round mock draft on April 15.

Round 1, Pick No. 4: Tennessee Titans

SN's own Vinnie Iyer projects Love to land with the Titans at No. 4 overall in his latest three-round mock draft. The Titans are in an interesting position with a quarterback already in place, a new head coach and a trade down rumored to be a possibility, but Love would add a dynamic element to Tennessee's offense even with Tony Pollard coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. After another difficult year, though, it's worth wondering whether there are greater areas of need.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

Dane Brugler released a 7-round mock draft on April 14.

Round 1, Pick No. 7: Washington Commanders

The Athletic's Dane Brugler projects Love as the No. 7 pick to the Commanders. Love and the Commanders have been tied together throughout the draft process, though Washington can't be sure he will still be on the board when it's the franchise's turn. The Commanders could use an injection of youth throughout their roster, but they have a major need in the backfield with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White as their top options.

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

Mel Kiper Jr. released a mock draft on April 15.

Round 1, Pick No. 4: Tennessee Titans

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes Love won't be on the board when the Commanders pick, as he has the Notre Dame star going to Tennessee. That would make Love the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.

MORE:Ranking the 10 best quarterbacks in 2026 NFL Draft

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports

Tom Fornelli released a mock draft on April 15.

Round 1, Pick No. 9: Minnesota Vikings

CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli has Love falling to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 9, via trade with the Chiefs. The Chiefs were projected as a popular landing spot for Love before their signing of Kenneth Walker III, so they could be open to a move down in this scenario. The Vikings nearly moved on from Aaron Jones this offseason and also have Jordan Mason in the mix, so a long-term solution at running back would be welcomed.

Todd McShay, The Ringer

Todd McShay released a mock draft on April 15.

Round 1, Pick No. 4: Tennessee Titans

The Ringer's Todd McShay is on board with the idea of Love landing in Nashville to play for Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll, as he has the Notre Dame star coming off the board at No. 4.

Mike Band, NFL.com

Mike Band released a mock draft on April 14.

Round 1, Pick No. 4: Tennessee Titans

NFL Network's Mike Band is also projecting Love to be the No. 4 pick to the Titans, making Tennessee the most popular destination for the Heisman Trophy finalist.