Continuing this series, where I highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, the current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether
I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears. Remember, these are NOT fantasy rankings or even who I think will get drafted in order, but simply my top backs based on tape, measurables, production, and my own personal taste.#1: Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame – SPEED
To say I am excited about Jeremiyah Love or that he has been a fun study
would be a massive understatement. For someone who appreciates running backs and the different styles we have seen over the years, the way I do, Love has presented as much of a challenge as he has been a joy to articulate. His speed flashes immediately on film as evidenced by him averaging one run of 40+ yards for every 21 rush attempts on top of his incredibly impressive 6.9 average yards per carry in each of the last two seasons. Need more fire power? How about the fact he also rushed for over 90 yards on a single carry in each of the last two seasons as well. This dude is pure dynamite.
However, speed is far from the only dangerous aspect of his game.
Jeremiyah Love runs with uncanny patience and timing, combined with excellent vision to not only know which hole to burst through, but when to take advantage of the smallest crease in the defense and make them pay a lethal price. He is also extremely creative as a runner, manufacturing more space and freedom from defenders through an array of moves, spins, hurdles and cuts. Consistently stringing together multiple variations on any given play to keep the defense off balance and guessing at his next move.
Another aspect of his game that I love is his tenacity. Despite being more of a lean athlete at 6’0” 212lb, Love packs a punch and knows when to lower his shoulder to fight for additional yards. One of his most famous runs was a goal-line score against Penn State in the 2024 CFP, where he broke multiple tackles (on a hobbled knee, no less) and willed his way in for a TD over multiple future pros, including 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, EDGE Abdul Carter. Embedded below for your viewing pleasure. His yards after contact per rush is one of the best over the last couple decades. Love has been known to hurdle one defender before truck-sticking the next one. His creative flow is truly a thing of beauty. Pure entertainment of the highest degree.
That said, my absolute favorite thing about Jeremiyah Love’s game is his work in the passing game, specifically his route running and hands. Not only is he a willing and improved blocker in the pass game, but he’s always a threat to the defense, even when used as a decoy, because of how much of a weapon he is as a receiver. When he is deployed as a receiver, Love runs routes like a seasoned WR and has the concentration and soft hands to pluck the ball out of the air without wasting any motion through the catch – setting him up perfectly post-catch to maximize yardage. No surprise when you hear how he prides himself in being able to execute routes and route-concepts like a WR and he even spent time practicing as WR while at Notre Dame. Here he is torching Arkansas this past year through the air.
Over the last 50+ years, there have been very few backs that have the well-rounded and explosive game of Jeremiyah Love. Lofty praise, no doubt, but his tape and stats back this up. Here are a few backs that I thought of the most when studying Jeremiyah Love. (Shout out to MongoPeanut for the sweet image!)
Real RB fans recognize Le’Veon Bell who ran with impeccable patience and timing. Jamaal Charles who was a threat to take it the distance each time he touched the ball. Roger Craig who was arguably THE first RB to effectively catch passes like a WR and Eric Dickerson whose long strides and deep speed left countless defenders in their wake. Again, this comp was hard to narrow down.
Pro Comp: Jamaal Charles
Love: 6’0”, 212lb, , 4.36 forty, 1.55 ten, 32” arms, 9 1/8” hands
Charles: 5’11”, 200lb, 4.38 forty, 1.53 ten, 32 1/8” arms, 8 3/4” hands
It was very hard to settle on a the best comp for J. Love. Le’Veon Bell, Roger Craig, Eric Dickerson, OJ Simpson and Marcus Allen were all strongly considered but ultimately I went with the explosive Jamaal Charles out of Texas. Charles made a name for himself ripping off huge plays in both the run and pass games with multiple rushes and receptions over 70, 80 and even 90 yards throughout his career. Obviously, both backs showcased elite deep speed, but they both displayed underrated toughness for their size as well. That said, Love is a good 10+ pounds heavier and boasts an even faster time in the 40 yard dash so the fact that his game translates so well to a back smaller than him speaks more for his electric abilities with the ball in his hands than him playing small. As mentioned, Love can lower the boom when need be, which was an element many people forget about when discussing the 200lb Charles, who was often used on the goal-line with much success.
While a back like Roger Craig was most akin to Love as a receiver (seriously, if you never saw Craig run routes or catch passes, Google him today and thank me later) Charles was underrated in that regard as well and he averaged nearly 3 catches per game throughout his career, including one season where he recorded 70 receptions and made 1st team All-Pro.
One area where Love far exceeds Charles is his ball-security as Love never lost a single fumble in his career, meanwhile, Charles averaged two fumbles lost per season.
In the end, Charles was a historically explosive back, averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a pro (6.2 in college), and I feel he is the floor for Jeremiyah Love. If that happens, expect plenty of Love jerseys around the world and plenty of happy fantasy football fans as well. Here are some clips of each.
Fit for Bears? Yes.
Before anyone gets excited, I would guess there is less than 1% chance that Jeremiyah Love lands in Chicago. Simply due to draft capital required for his universally lauded skillset. That said, he could quite possibly be the most ideal RB for Ben Johnson’s scheme. Ever. Even more so than the All-World Jahmyr Gibbs thanks to his prowess as a WR. Either way, I fully expect Love to be drafted in the top 5, with Tennessee being the most likely landing spot. If he somehow falls to 10, do not be surprised if some team trades up for him. Just doubftul it’ll be Chicago.
What are your thoughts on Love? Which all-time great do you see when you watch him play? Would you be happy if Chicago traded up into the top 10 to draft him?
BChuk’s Backs:
10 – Kaelon Black, Indiana
9 – Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
8 – Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
7 – Noah Whittington, Oregon
6 – Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
5 – Kaytron Allen, Penn State
4 – Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
3 – Jonah Coleman, Washington
2 – Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
