The Washington Commanders added two new running backs in free agency. They also re-signed Jeremy McNichols to a one-year deal. And yet, speculation continues to rise about another hotly touted draft prospect with game-changing potential.
That, of course, is Jeremiyah Love. Whether the Notre Dame product will be available when Washington goes on the clock is debatable. If he is around, one team insider believes this could be a risk general manager Adam Peters is willing to take.
Much has been made about the risks of taking a running back high. There are some exceptions, with the likes of Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Ashton Jeanty being top-10 picks in recent years. It's not commonplace, but Love has similar traits that could take the league by storm.
Commanders could choose legitimate potential over need with Jeremiyah Love
Ben Standig, who covers the team independently, acknowledged that taking running backs high is risky. However, the lack of high-quality prospects at the top end of this year's class could lead the Commanders to take the plunge after filling some key needs in free agency.
"[The Commanders] landed on an option that I'm holding my nose to a degree, and yet simultaneously I'm pretty excited, and that's Jeremiyah Love, the running back from Notre Dame.
"I just do not like taking running backs this high. I don't think a lot of teams do, but this is a weird year where, you know, the top of the draft is a little softer than usual. You've got other players who play a position that are not typically going to get picked this high."
The Commanders currently have Jacory Croskey-Merriitt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and McNichols as their backfield options. All are good players in their own right. None would move the needle like Love.
Pairing Love with quarterback Jayden Daniels in the backfield comes with untold potential. It would take considerable pressure off Washington's franchise player. With the offensive line looking stable, aside from the questions at center, this could be the dynamic presence that rookie play-caller David Blough needs to flourish.
It'll be a waiting game for the Commanders. Love could go as high as No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans. The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns could also swing for the fences for the exciting prospect. If the three teams go in different directions, Peters faces a monumental decision.
The Commanders need help at safety, cornerback, linebacker, and wide receiver. Love might not be a luxury they can afford, but Peters has enough cash to fill those needs in the veteran pool. That makes the Heisman Trophy finalist a legitimate possibility if he falls into Washington's lap.
And that would instantly make the Commanders' offense a must-watch operation in 2026.