The NFL Draft kicks off tonight, and Jeremiyah Love figures to hear his name called early. How early is the real question?
Some analysts think he could land as high as No. 3 overall, with the Arizona Cardinals potentially in play or another team willing to make an aggressive move. His 2025 campaign at Notre Dame fueled that kind of talk.
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Love earned First-Team Associated Press All-American honors, won the Doak Walker Award, and finished as a finalist for the Heisman, Walter Camp, and Maxwell awards.
He ranked fourth nationally with 6.9 yards per carry and 137.7 scrimmage yards per game. He racked up 1,372 rushing yards on 199 attempts and found the end zone 18 times on the ground. But not everyone thinks he belongs in the top five.
ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers made his stance clear during a draft discussion on ‘Get Up.’ The issue wasn’t Love’s talent. It was the money and how drafting a running back that high fits into building a competitive roster.
“Under no circumstance can you take Jeremiyah Love at No. 3. You’re gonna owe him $50 million in guaranteed money. That’s more than Saquon [Barkley], more than Christian McCaffrey, more than Derrick Henry, you can’t do that,” Rodgers said. “I love Jeremiah Love as a prospect, but also, he’s not a generational player.”
Rodgers pointed to Love’s performances against elite competition. The Notre Dame standout struggled in certain big games. He got contained in a bowl appearance last season and barely made an impact in an early 2025 clash with Ohio State.
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Miami also limited him in the opener. Beyond those matchups, Rodgers believes Love didn’t face many defenses that tested him at the highest level.
Love is still a legitimate three-down back who combines size and speed. His ability to break off explosive runs and contribute in the passing game makes him dangerous.
But the value conversation looms large. With the draft hours away, teams will decide if Love warrants a top-five pick or if positional value pushes him down the board.