Commanders reportedly 'love' Notre Dame star

One week from the 2026 NFL Draft, we are fully in the middle of lying season. You never know what to believe. Some teams want to trade down, others want to trade up. Teams aren't interested in specific players, while other teams "love" one prospect above the rest.

The Washington Commanders have been an interesting team this offseason. After going 5-12 in 2025 — one year after shocking the world and reaching the NFC Championship Game — the Commanders tumbled back down to earth. That fell led to many changes, including two new coordinators and other staff shakeups.

Washington has been linked to almost every potential top 10 pick except quarterback Fernando Mendoza. But, according to NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, one player stands above all: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

In his latest draft intel, Pauline said the Commanders "love" Love.

Several people tell me the team will jump all over Jeremiyah Love if he falls into their laps, with the direct quote being, “The team loves Love.” He’d be an additional weapon for Jayden Daniels, who’s coming off an injury-plagued season, and would end Washington’s running-back-by-committee approach.

Could this be subterfuge? Is Washington putting word out that it "loves" the draft's top running back prospect, and, in the eyes of many, the top overall player in the class? Sure, it's possible. But it makes no sense. The Commanders have no control over Love's destination. There's a good chance he could be selected inside the top five, perhaps as high as No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals.

Pauline's report matches what ESPN's Adam Schefter said earlier in the week. Schefter often doesn't miss, especially when it comes to the Commanders. Love isn't just a running back. Yes, he's an elite running back talent and new offensive coordinator David Blough plans to run the ball more, but Love can also be an elite offensive weapon out of the backfield. He also makes quarterback Jayden Daniels even more dangerous, while also taking some of the load off the star passer.