From year to year, sometimes top running backs slide in the NFL Draft, while other years they are selected high. Last year, Ashton Jeanty went in the top five, and three years ago, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs were selected in the top dozen. However, other years running backs slide like Breece Hall, being the first one selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This year, teams do not see the top running back sliding, and multiple team sources say they believe that Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is locked into being a top-five pick.
Many believe around the league that the Tennessee Titans are targeting Love with the fourth-overall pick. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is said to be very high on Love and envisions building a lot of the offense around him. If the Titans pass on Love, he should not wait long, as sources say the New York Giants would almost definitely take Love with the fifth-overall pick. Both teams have second-year starters at quarterback, and Love could be a big asset in helping those quarterbacks by fueling a consistent rushing attack.
Love does not look in play for a top-three pick, as the Raiders have Jeanty, the Jets have a franchise-tagged Hall, and the Cardinals have a stable of veteran backs. However, team sources across the league feel Love is definitely going in the top five and that is what I have happening in my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
