Washington legend breaks down Jeremiyah Love's NFL potential

Clinton Portis knows something about running backs.

Portis, the former Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos running back, was a guest on the Grant & Danny Show on Thursday on 106.7 The Fan. With the NFL draft two weeks away (April 23, Round 1), Portis was, of course, asked to come and discuss the upcoming draft and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

The former Redskins back was quite physical and a great blocker in pass protection as well. Portis has not lost his sense of humor. He jokingly expressed, "I would love to say he reminds me of me, but I was 5'11" 194, when I came out (of college to the NFL)."

Interestingly enough, Portis was correct that he measured 5'11," but he has forgotten that he actually weighed in at the NFL Combine at not 194, but 204. Portis also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds. So, how about Love's numbers at the 2026 Combine? Love measured at 6'0," 212 pounds and ran the 40 in a blazing 4.36.

"He's bigger than I was, but at the same time, when you watch Jeremiyah Love run, that north and south, how quick he gets north and south. His balance is amazing. His hands, out of the backfield, are amazing. Him getting north and south, finding that hole to get through. That play-making ability, athletic ability, it's all there!"

The word on Love is twofold. First, he is bigger and faster than Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions). On the other hand, it has also been documented that Love piled up big yardage against weaker defenses and did not have big games against tougher competition against more of the players who will be playing in the NFL.

Love remains a hot prospect, anticipated to be drafted in the top 10 and the first running back chosen in this year's draft. Mock drafts have consistently predicted Love to be selected in the top 10. Washington has the No. 7 draft position. So there has been a lot of speculation that Love could go to Washington at No. 7 or earlier.

In his rookie season (2002), Portis didn't waste any time producing, rushing for 1,508 yards with 15 rushing touchdowns and 82 rushing first downs, averaging 5.5 yards per rushing attempt. Portis then rushed for 1,591 yards in his second season in Denver, leading the NFL with 5.5 yards per rushing attempt. The Redskins then traded for Portis (Champ Bailey and a second-round pick), who led the Redskins, rushing for over 1,200 yards four different seasons.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Clinton Portis breaks down Jeremiyah Love