ESPN insider Adam Schefter has been one of the biggest drum-beaters around the Washington Commanders and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love being a perfect match in the 2026 NFL Draft. But wth just days left until the big night, the respected insider has done a complete U-turn.
The Commanders were always going to need a little bit of luck. Love is arguably the best overall prospect in this class. He's easily the best running back. And in a draft where there are very few blue-chip prospects available at the top end, positional value may not enter the equation.
Nothing has been confirmed for sure. However, given what Schefter is hearing, he's confident enough to offer a new projection for Love.
Adam Schefter now believes Jeremiyah Love will be long gone before the Commanders' pick at No. 7
And it is way before the Commanders go on the clock at No. 7.
"Jeremiyah Love, I don't think he slides that far. But that would be his floor, seven. Not getting past seven. But I think right now, he's looking at three or four, frankly."
It was always a long shot that Love would end up in Washington. The talent is just too tempting for teams higher than the Commanders to pass up. It's that simple, really.
If he is taken three or four, that would instantly make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league per annual average salary and guarantees. However, if the Heisman Trophy finalist reaches his ceiling, he's got the scope to completely change any offense.
Schefter is hearing it, so general manager Adam Peters won't be completely out of the loop either. He's not believing much about what's being said right now. Smoke signals are constant, designed to potentially cause confusion and give teams leverage. It's also an unpredictable draft, so there is no real sure thing after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1.
The insider doesn't just put things out for the sake of it. He's been a big supporter of Love to Washington throughout the pre-draft process. Those plans have changed quickly, so it would now be a big surprise if he made it that far down the pecking order.
The Commanders will have other targets. Adding to the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels with a wide receiver like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or maybe even Makai Lemon is feasible. Washington could take linebacker Sonny Styles if he's somehow still available. Safety Caleb Downs and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane would instantly improve the secondary.
Love would be nice, but it's not the end of the world if he's not on the board. And according to Schefter, the chances of this scenario coming to fruition have increased exponentially.
Oh well...
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