With just a little over one month remaining until the start of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, mock season is in full swing with fans, analysts, coaches, and owners trying to narrow down the next additions to their respective teams. Another highly followed and respected NFL media member, Lance Zierlein, has released his next forecast following the completion of the recent scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Much like several like-minded mock drafters, Zierlein has tabbed the New Orleans Saints as the next
home for Notre Dame Irish product HB Jeremiyah Love. The tailback has become a consensus top-ten pick within most mock drafts, and his performance at the NFL Combine probably all but solidified that case.
Love ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, finishing as the second-fastest runningback in the event. He also ran a 1.49 10-yard split. The combination of speed and strength, paired with his versatility, drew comparisons to current star NFL backs Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs. Zierlein notes that the addition of Love “instantly reduces the workload from Tyler Shough’s shoulders as a three-down home run hitter.”
Picking just before the Saints at eighth overall, the Washington Commanders are predicted to select Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr. After Love, Zierlein has Ohio State’s Caleb Downs going to the New York Jets at number nine, following their projected trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.
You can view the entirety of Lance Zierlein’s updated mock draft here. What do you think of New Orleans’ potential selection of Jeremiyah Love? Would you do anything differently? Sound off in the comments!
