Jeremiyah Love and the Washington Commanders have been hotly linked throughout the pre-draft assessment process. And one respected analyst believes there could potentially be only two picks that stand between the running back and the franchise at No. 7 overall.
General manager Adam Peters hasn't ruled anything out. The Commanders are waiting to see what unfolds before them, but they are preparing for every potential scenario. Love would be an exceptional addition to the offense, so it's not hard to see why they would be interested. The question is whether Washington can afford to take a running back this high.
Nobody knows for sure, which is what makes it so exciting. But for Eric Edholm of NFL.com, Love would be firmly in play if he is still available when it's Washington's turn to pick.
NFL analyst believes Titans, Giants stand between Commanders and Jeremiyah Love
Edholm thought there were a couple of stumbling blocks. The Tennessee Titans and New York Giants could take Love. The analyst also thought much would depend on whether Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is available, which would be another superb fit for the Commanders.
"The Titans, not everyone is convinced they are going to take a running back at four. I think the Giants are looking at him. I don't think he's an option for Cleveland, so it's really those two teams. I think it's possible, and I think he would be firmly in play.
"It also depends on whether Sonny Styles is there. I happen to think that's a terrific fit. It'll be fascinating to see what they end up with. I think seven is the inflection point of the draft. I think that's a point where there may not be a pick that everyone is expecting."
Peters wants to take the best prospect available, regardless of need. There is arguably nobody better than Love in this class, though a strong case could also be made for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
The Commanders focused on defensive reinforcements in free agency, while making minor tweaks to the offense. That could give them the freedom to take a difference-maker like Love into the backfield alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels. It's a tantalizing thought, especially considering he is much more than your average running back.
David Blough's schematic creativity would be limitless with Daniels and Love paired together. The run-pass option would instantly excel. Putting the dual-threat weapon in motion to exploit mismatches in the passing game could also take things up a notch. And in a draft where elite-level prospects are at a premium, the Notre Dame phenom represents a safer bet than most.
Whether he will be around is another matter. But if Love gets through the Titans and Giants, the Commanders may just get their shot.
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