In recent years, the NFL Draft has seen a bit of a resurgence in the value of running backs, a position that had been largely devalued over time. Despite concerns about the longevity of their careers-where even top-tier running backs often see a decline by age 28-teams are finding renewed interest in selecting elite talent.
The Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions are prime examples of this shift. The Falcons snagged Bijan Robinson at No. 8 overall in 2023, and the Lions followed up by picking Jahmyr Gibbs at No.
- Both teams seem pleased with their decisions, as these players have made significant impacts on their respective squads.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, all eyes are on Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love. He’s generating buzz as a potential top pick, possibly going even higher than Robinson did. Some experts are even comparing his potential draft position to that of Saquon Barkley, who was selected No. 2 overall by the New York Giants in 2018.
Mel Kiper Jr., a veteran NFL Draft analyst, ranks Love as the No. 2 player in this draft class, just behind Indiana’s star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Kiper draws an intriguing comparison between Love and former USC standout Reggie Bush, noting Love's exceptional vision, speed, and ability to force missed tackles-he recorded 60 in the 2025 season alone. With a breakaway speed clocked at 4.36, Love is not just a threat on the ground; he’s also a dynamic pass catcher, capable of adding a new dimension to any NFL offense.
Jeremiyah Love is truly a "dual threat" running back, reminiscent of Bush, who despite being more dominant in college, carved out a successful 11-year NFL career. Bush's versatility was evident in his career stats: 5,490 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, and 3,598 receiving yards with 18 receiving touchdowns.
Love's college stats echo this dual-threat capability. Over the last two seasons at Notre Dame, he amassed 2,497 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, alongside 517 receiving yards and five touchdowns. With such a profile, NFL teams are undoubtedly eager to see how Love's skills will translate to the next level.