The Washington Commanders are widely expected to take a blue-chip defensive prospect with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, there is one potential curveball that remains a hot topic of discussion among the fan base.
And for Jeremiyah Love, pairing with quarterback Jayden Daniels is a mouthwatering proposition.
The Commanders are desperately short of viable defensive players with long-term upside. General manager Adam Peters has cash to spend in free agency to rectify this issue, but making a concerted effort to provide Daniels with the firepower needed should not be ignored by any stretch of the imagination.
Taking a running back — no matter how good Love is, or is almost guaranteed to be, at the next level — is a luxury most fans believe the Commanders can't afford right now. That might change after the first few waves of free agency, and Peters always wants to draft the best prospects available regardless of need.
Jeremiyah Love hypes up potential Jayden Daniels pairing with the Commanders
Much will depend on what happens in front of Washington. But if Love were to be chosen, the Notre Dame phenom believes linking up with Daniels would be a tremendous pairing capable of taking the league by storm.
"It would be great. I think we would be a great little duo in the backfield. Jayden Daniels can use his feet very well and passes the ball very well. And then you add me in there, I can run well, I can block. I can receive. If I was to go to the Commanders, I feel like me and Jayden Daniels would pair well together."
Positional importance aside, Love might be the most talented overall prospect in this class. He can do it all at an exceptional level. The hit rate on running backs taken in the top 10 is high, though they are few and far between. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether they are far enough along in their project to take this sort of daring gamble.
Linebacker, edge rusher, potentially cornerback, and the interior of the offensive line would arguably be bigger priorities. The Commanders also need a dynamic receiver to go opposite Terry McLaurin, and the safety unit also needs a more explosive force for new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to lean on.
That is a lot of holes. Love's talents are undeniable, and putting him in the same backfield as Daniels would cause endless sleepless nights for opposing defensive coordinators. It seems unlikely right now, but a lot can and will change by the big night.
And if Love did hear his name called by the Commanders, that'll be just fine with him.