Speculation continues to rise about Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love being firmly in play for the Washington Commanders at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, one team pundit had a different opinion from the growing consensus.
In a draft where blue-chip options are at a premium, Love might be the best overall prospect in this class. Nobody is disputing that, but the gamble centers on taking a running back this high. That's a luxury most in the top 10 can't afford, which is why they have been few and far between in recent years.
Love is a difference-maker. Pairing him with quarterback Jayden Daniels instantly gives the Commanders a prolific backfield tandem capable of giving every defensive coordinator around the league nightmares. Adam Peters' aggressive moves in free agency give them some extra freedom, but there is also a chance he won't be around when Washington goes on the clock.
Commanders analyst doesn't believe Jeremiyah Love is worth the pick at No. 7
If it were the choice of Kevin Sheehan from The Team 980, he would not take Love at No. 7. While the analyst thought he could have a very successful NFL career, he doesn't see him as an elite-level prospect worthy of the Commanders taking the plunge.
"You've got to be in the superstar elite projected class for me to pick you in the top 10 to top 15 at that position, and I don't see Jeremiyah Love that way. I see him as an excellent prospect. I think he's going to be a very good NFL running back, but not elite enough to take that high."
This is the critical decision Peters and other influential figures must make for themselves. If they genuinely believe Love has the scope to move the needle significantly, they won't hesitate if he's available. But if there is any semblance of doubt, they will probably go in a different direction.
The Commanders will play their board effectively. They sent a strong contingent to Ohio State's pro day, which indicates that safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and linebacker Sonny Styles are on their radar. Versatile defensive weapon Arvell Reese might be too, but there is almost no chance he falls beyond the New York Jets at No. 2 overall.
Others will also be considered, but the growing momentum around Love is hard to ignore. While taking running backs in the top 10 is risky, the hit rate is outstanding.
Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Ashton Jeanty have all been top 10 picks over the last decade. Three of them are regarded as the league's best. Two others had productive careers before tailing off. Jeanty only has one season under his belt, but he performed well in difficult circumstances with the Las Vegas Raiders.
If Love can go on to achieve the same heights as Barkley, McCaffrey, and Robinson, he'll be well worth the pick at No. 7. And if that prevents the Commanders from filling a major need, Peters has five other selections and bundles of salary-cap space left to achieve these objectives.
Just take the best prospect available and worry about the rest later. If Love is around, he might be the guy.