The Washington Commanders have shown interest in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a move that might raise some eyebrows among fans. Given the team's recent defensive struggles, many expected a focus on bolstering the defense through the draft and free agency. After all, the Commanders allowed the most yards last season, highlighting a pressing need for defensive reinforcements.
Mock drafts have linked the Commanders, who hold the No. 7 pick, to several top defensive prospects, including Texas Tech's DE David Bailey, Ohio State's Edge/LB Arvell Reese, Miami's DE Rueben Bain Jr., and Ohio State's LB Sonny Styles. Yet, the intrigue around selecting a running back remains.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn addressed this during an interview with Rich Eisen, suggesting that a running back could significantly impact the team. Quinn's remarks evoke memories of high-profile running backs like Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, and Saquon Barkley, who were all top picks in recent drafts. The trend, however, has been less consistent in recent years, with only a few backs like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs cracking the top 10 since 2023.
Could Quinn's comments be part of a strategy to generate trade interest in the Commanders' draft position? With no picks in the second or fourth rounds, acquiring additional selections could be beneficial. Whether this is a genuine interest in Love or a tactical move remains to be seen, but the Commanders' draft strategy will certainly be one to watch.