The Washington Commanders will be on the clock at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there's no shortage of top prospects whom general manager Adam Peters could select.
At least a few possibilities have had considerable traction in the Commanders' circles throughout the pre-draft process, including running back Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame product is a polarizing name because of the position he plays, but he has been compared to dynamic weapons like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs for his ability to catch out of the backfield.
However, recent reports have suggested the Commanders might not have much of a shot at Love. The Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants may all consider adding the highly touted rookie. While it's still a possibility for Washington, it would be considered a surprise.
New 'bold' Commanders Jeremiyah Love prediction tells fans everything they need to know
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut gave five bold NFL Draft predictions, and one of them is the Commanders selecting Love.
"While there’s been plenty of buzz suggesting the Tennessee Titans might select running back Jeremiyah Love, we believe Robert Saleh will get his guy in edge rusher David Bailey. So, with [Jordyn] Tyson landing in New York, the Washington Commanders‘ dream scenario unfolds."
There's a believable rationale for Love going to Washington, as Johnson writes, but the 'bold' label suggests this probably isn't going to happen. Many scouts view the rusher as the best overall prospect in the draft, and there may be teams willing to pick him even if running back isn't considered among their top needs.
If the Titans don't take Love at No. 4, then the Giants, who just traded Dexter Lawrence II for a second top-10 pick, might at No. 5. There have also been rumblings that the Cardinals could grab him at No. 3, before either of those organizations even has a chance.
Realistically, Love could go anywhere outside of the top two picks, which are almost certainly going to be quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders and either linebacker Arvell Reese or edge rusher David Bailey to the New York Jets. That's four teams that will have the opportunity to snatch him up before Washington can, and it's a slim chance that he makes it through all four.
Perhaps it will work out for the best for Washington anyway.
The team should still have high-profile potential options, such as wide receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs, and linebacker Sonny Styles. All of them figure to have a longer shelf life than any running back.
No matter who Peters picks, there should be plenty of reason for excitement in Washington. But if you're a Commanders fan still riding the Love train, you're probably out of luck.
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