Saints eye Love at No. 8 as RB narrative shifts

By Ross Jackson

Over the last ten years, running backs have been consistently ruled out of first-round conversations leading up to the NFL Draft. But the league’s response hasn’t matched the narrative. That is set to be the case again in 2026 with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

During the NFL Scouting Combine, the superstar back further solidified himself as the best option on offense for several teams, including the New Orleans Saints.

Since the 2016 NFL Draft, eight have featured first-round running backs with a total of 14 taken over the 10-year span.

Of the 14 first-round backs, six have been taken in the top-10. All of those have been selected in the top eight picks.

Of those 14 rushers, nine have panned out as valuable backs for their clubs, notching a 64.3% hit rate at the position. Teams have seen a lesser return with multiple swings at first-round quarterbacks. 

Go one year back to 2015 and two runners, Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon, were both taken within the first half of the round with Gurley No. 10 overall. 

Love has positioned himself as one of the most surefire players in this year’s draft. With 40 total touchdowns scored over the last two seasons, back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing years and now an incredible Combine performance, the Notre Dame back should be viewed by the Saints as the top option at No. 8 overall. That is, if he makes it there.

Over the last 10 drafts, four have come off the board before pick No. 8, while Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey were both selected with the eighth pick.

Love’s participation in the Scouting Combine was a bit of a surprise, but he made the opportunity count. He measured in at 6-foot and 212 pounds before blazing a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, proving his long speed is in the elite category. 

His ability to catch out of the backfield can’t be underestimated, especially with the value that brings with a young passer at the helm. If Love makes it to pick No. 8, it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t be the selection. It makes even more sense with a deep wide receiver and edge rusher class available. There is also a host of free agents the Saints could pre-emptively invest in, even at running back – just in case the board doesn’t fall in a friendly way.

Love may very well be the best player in this draft and he may end up as a Saint by the time the dust settles. 

He himself sees the vision of how he could fit into the picture in the Crescent City. “If I’m blessed to go to the Saints,” he said during his Combine availability. “They’ll find a way to use me like they did Alvin Kamara.”

I asked Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love has he spoken to Kellen Moore and the #Saints #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/gAkFXiy8rL

— Timothy J Jones (@tjayjones8) February 27, 2026

Saints head coach Kellen Moore’s best offenses have featured high-level running backs. Two of which, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott, are examples of those that were first-round, top-five picks. Equipping him with another elite talent at the position seems like a no-brainer.