The debate over the value of running backs in today’s NFL has been raging for years, with analytics-driven voices often leading the charge. The core argument?
With the right offensive line and scheme, running backs are largely interchangeable. That line of thinking has reshaped how teams approach the position-fewer backs are getting drafted early, and even fewer are landing big second contracts.
But in New Orleans, head coach Kellen Moore might be leaning in a different direction.
The Saints have been linked to former Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty in the past, though they weren’t in position to draft him in 2025. That could change in 2026, and there’s growing buzz that New Orleans might be ready to challenge the prevailing narrative and invest heavily in a game-changing back.
Pro Football Focus contributor Dalton Wasserman recently made a compelling case for the Saints to do exactly that. According to Wasserman, New Orleans' biggest draft priority is clear: fix the run game. And he doesn’t just mean tweaking it-he’s talking about a top-10 pick level of commitment.
Right now, the Saints sit near the bottom of the league in both PFF rushing grade and run-blocking grade, ranking 31st in both categories. Injuries ravaged their interior offensive line throughout the season, and the backfield struggled to generate explosive plays. That’s a tough combination for any offense to overcome, and the numbers reflect it.
So what’s the solution? Wasserman points to Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love as a potential answer-and he’s not alone.
Love has been a frequent projection to the Saints in recent mock drafts, especially since Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced he’s staying in school. In fact, about a third of the mocks published in the 24 hours following Moore’s decision have Love landing in New Orleans at No. 8 overall.
Love isn’t just another name in the mix. He earned a stellar 93.7 PFF rushing grade this season, putting him in elite territory.
Draft analyst Dane Brugler even compared him to Bijan Robinson, who went eighth overall in 2023 and has proven to be a difference-maker. If Love can bring that same kind of impact, the Saints could be looking at a foundational piece for their offense.
Of course, drafting Love would be just one part of the equation. If New Orleans can address its offensive line-especially at left guard-through free agency or later rounds of the draft, then using that first-rounder on a running back makes a lot more sense.
The front five has to be better, plain and simple. No matter how talented the backfield is, it won’t matter if the blocking isn’t there.
And then there’s the Alvin Kamara question. His future with the team remains uncertain.
Whether he returns or not, though, Love would bring a fresh dynamic to the offense. He’s not just a plug-and-play option-he’s the kind of back who can tilt the field, create mismatches, and give Moore the flexibility to get creative with his play-calling.
Bottom line: the Saints are at a crossroads. They can stick with the status quo and hope for incremental improvement, or they can take a big swing on a player who could redefine their offense.
If they believe Jeremiyah Love is that guy, don’t be surprised if they pull the trigger at No. 8.