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Potential Washington Commanders draft pick, running back Jeremiah Love.

The Washington Commanders own the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Notre Dame Jeremiah Love became an option. His former running backs coach with the Irish, Ja’Juan Seider, sat down with The Athletic to discuss what Washington could receive if they draft Love.

“We always say at Notre Dame: The running backs here have to play through the end of the defense or the echo of the whistle. ‘But we don’t get a lot of long runs in practice.”

Love runs on a contact balance that has recently become a necessity in the NFL. Combined with his breakaway speed, the knack for absorbing a hit and keeping his legs moving goes a long way to establishing a quality running game. At 212 pounds, the Commanders could use him as a workhorse, perhaps the best Washington back since Alfred Morris. Additionally, keeping his feet moving, Love will put linebackers on his hip with speed.

GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love scorring against Syracuse during a Novemebr 22, 2025 game.

Determination Gives Love the Decided Advantage

To be the focal point of an NFL running game, a back must operate under the single-track mindset of pushing through, regardless of the circumstances. With yards at a premium, Love’s perseverance could align with the Commanders’ approach. Seider recounts a story that helps the star running back before.

“If it were his last play in practice, he would finish a run and go 80 yards, without me telling him. That was just his mindset. It was so fascinating as a coach. I sometimes took it for granted because I saw it every day, but not everybody does, because they don’t want to be tired for the next rep. Jeremiyah didn’t take shortcuts. He made practice like a game. And he did it to the highest level.”

Currently, Washington does not employ a back who can take the ball the distance on every snap. While that is not a prerequisite, bursts help put games out of reach. While new offensive coordinator David Blough, a former quarterback, wants to open up the offense and spread the ball, he understands the value and importance of the running game.

GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love leaps over an opponent, during a November 29, 2025 game.

Underdog Mentality Could Change Franchise

Despite playing football since 1932, Washington resides in the NFC East. Every other team has won a Super Bowl and appeared in at least two since the franchise raised the Lombardi Trophy in 1991. With that level of opponent success, the Commanders find themselves struggling to gain ground.

“You want your best players to be your hardest workers. We talk about having a walk-on mentality, because they’re underappreciated, but they go to work and don’t look for pats on the back.”

GettyJeremiyah Love celebrates a touchdown in a November 22, 2025 game.

The phrase “ideal fit” gains traction and overplays around draft time, especially this late in the process. However, Love at the No. 7 spot makes sense. The Commanders need a running back.

Why not pick the best available? Does he play a position of need, with wide receiver and cornerback being more pressing concerns? Not really, they could roll with Rachaad White as the starter. However, to give defenses something to worry about, selecting an elite offensive player could change the outcome of games.