The New Orleans Saints are staring down a pivotal decision with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah just threw a curveball into the conversation. In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah has the Saints selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love - a dynamic, electric playmaker who could instantly reshape the team’s offensive identity.
Love is the kind of talent that jumps off the screen. He’s got the burst, the vision, and the home-run ability every team dreams of in a lead back. And when Jeremiah says he “loves” the idea of pairing Love with quarterback Tyler Shough, it’s not just wordplay - it’s a calculated bet on maximizing offensive firepower while Shough is still on a rookie deal.
But here’s where things get complicated. Drafting a running back in the Top 10 is always going to spark debate, and for good reason.
The position, as explosive as it can be, comes with a ticking clock. Running backs take hits - a lot of them - and historically, their shelf life is shorter than just about any other position.
That makes a high pick feel like a gamble, especially for a team like New Orleans that’s still trying to climb out of a 6-11 season.
Yes, the Saints finished strong, winning four of their last five. There’s momentum.
There’s optimism. But are they close enough to contention to justify using a premium pick on a back, even one as talented as Love?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Adding to the intrigue is who Jeremiah has falling after the Saints’ pick. Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., Alabama safety Caleb Downs, and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon - all projected to come off the board later in the first round - are the kinds of players who could fill premium positions with long-term impact.
Bain, in particular, looks like a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher in the making. And Lemon?
He’s the kind of vertical threat who could stretch defenses and open things up for Shough immediately.
So, if you’re the Saints, do you go with the electric playmaker who can break a game open on any touch - even if his position is one of the most physically demanding in the league? Or do you opt for a pass rusher or wideout who might offer more positional value and longevity?
There’s no easy answer. What’s clear is that Jeremiyah Love isn’t just another running back.
He’s a weapon. He’s a spark plug.
And if the Saints believe he’s the best player on the board, they might be willing to live with the risk that comes with drafting a back this high.
The debate isn’t going away anytime soon. But if Love ends up in black and gold, he’ll have every chance to prove that elite talent - no matter the position - is always worth betting on.