The eruption of NFL Draft content leads to a steady lava-like flow of mock drafts connecting prospects and franchises with one another in the attempt to best understand how rookie classes might develop. Some connections are stronger than others, and one of the frequently projected pairings for 2026 is between the Kansas City Chiefs and running back Jeremiyah Love.
The running back position boils down to Love at the prized prospect in this year's rookie crop and then everyone else at least a tier or three below him. The Notre Dame product comes into the draft as not only the impactful player at his position, but one of the very few blue-chip options available in a weaker draft class.
Love had 40 touchdowns from scrimmage over the last two seasons as the offensive centerpiece for the Fighting Irish. He's a three-down option who would thrive in any system, but he just so happens to be a perfect fit for the Chiefs on a number of levels, which is why K.C. is linked to him again and again in mock drafts.
Jeremiyah Love's praise of Patrick Mahomes is only going to further fuel the connection everyone already sees.
Rich Eisen recently hosted Love on his show while at this year's Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and he asked the back whether or not he read mock drafts. "I see ‘em but I try not to pay attention to them. I see a lot of people saying I’m getting drafted to the Chiefs, Saints, saw the Giants, saw the Commanders, saw the Cowboys not too long ago. I mean, I’d be blessed to go anywhere. But yeah, I try not to pay attention to that stuff."
Eisen then pressed Love on the potential of playing with the Chiefs, considering they are the most popular landing spot for him in mock drafts. Love mentioned that playing with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes would be something special. "Yes, I would be, especially playing with Patrick Mahomes. He’s the best quarterback as of right now, best in the league. I feel like he’s the top one. It’d be an honor to play with him"
Love would be a game-changing option next to Mahomes in the Chiefs offense for a number of reasons, most notably because of the ongoing health concerns at the position. As Mahomes recovers from a torn ACL and LCL, his timeline to get ready for next season is in doubt. And even after he returns, the Chiefs have to figure out a way to lessen the overall offensive burden on Mahomes going forward. Bringing in a dynamic running back would reap immediate dividends.
It's also notable that Mahomes hasn't had a weapon out of the backfield as talented as Love since Kareem Hunt's second season. Mahomes was in his first year as a starter when Hunt was released after lying to the team about his involvement in an altercation and assault. Since that time, the Chiefs have been unable (or unwilling) to restock the talent pool with anyone who could come close to the skill set Love would offer.
Suffice it to say, Love says he would honored to play with Mahomes, but the truth is that the feeling is undoubtedly mutual. The Chiefs are already overhauling the position as Hunt and Isiah Pacheco hit free agency, so the timing of an upgrade couldn't be any better.