The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a month away, and it's anybody's guess what the Washington Commanders will do at the No. 7 overall pick. But there's one option everybody seems to want them to avoid.
That would be Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love, solely for the fact that he is a running back.
It's been common knowledge for well over a decade now: you don't draft rushers in the first round, let alone in the top 10. The chances of landing a star who'll make it to a second contract are extremely slim, and the chances of winning with them are even slimmer.
Fortunately for Washington, it sounds like they might not even have a chance to step on this landmine.
NFL Draft insider claims Jeremiyah Love will be long gone by the time the Commanders make their pick
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes Love is the best player in the draft and that somebody will be willing to take the risk on him in the first five picks. That leaves the Commanders out.
Will Washington draft Jeremiyah Love? Not according to @BuckyBrooks: "I think he's a Top 5 pick. I actually think he's the best player in the draft...I don't think there's any way he gets to the Commanders at 7." pic.twitter.com/Mperdk60X4
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 25, 2026
Love is an intriguing prospect, whose ability to both run and catch out of the backfield has drawn comparisons to Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Still, while those are Pro Bowl-level players, they can only take their teams so far.
An elite running back isn't going to have the same impact on their squad's success as an elite quarterback, wide receiver, or pass-rusher, and they tend to age fast. Their performance is also beholden to the team being able to play with a lead and the offensive line creating space for them, as the Las Vegas Raiders found out the hard way last year with Ashton Jeanty.
Most of the time, teams can find similar value on running backs late in the draft as they can on the first two days, particularly when multiple players are doing the job of one. The Commanders found Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round last year. By using him in a committee, everybody's legs stay fresher while different backs are utilized in different situations.
All in all, the reward of a dynamic running back prospect is not usually worth the premium draft selection it costs, especially when they contain such a short shelf life. If you have needs elsewhere, you're probably best off staying away.
Thankfully, it's looking like Love will probably be off the board at No. 7 anyway.