Jeremiyah Love's electrifying potential is drawing serious first-round consideration from the Saints, signaling a dynamic new era in their backfield.
For nearly a decade, the New Orleans Saints’ offensive identity has been synonymous with the dual-threat brilliance of Alvin Kamara. But as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, a consensus is forming among draft experts and "Who Dat" faithful alike: it is time to find the successor.
In recent mock drafts from Sports Illustrated and PFF, one name has consistently surged to the top of the Saints’ board, Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame standout isn't just a "good" running back prospect but rather he is being heralded as the spiritual and tactical successor to Kamara's throne.
The Kamara Crossroads#
Alvin Kamara remains a franchise icon, recently signing an extension that keeps him in New Orleans through 2026. However, NFL reality is often harsher than sentiment. By the start of the 2026 season, Kamara will be 31, an age where even the most elite backs begin to see a decline in "home-run" speed.
The Saints' rushing attack struggled in 2025, ranking among the bottom five in the league. While Kamara’s reliability as a safety valve remains, the offense desperately needs a spark of youth to alleviate pressure on rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Enter Jeremiyah Love.
Why Love is the "Perfect Fit"#
Scouts often shy away from taking running backs in the first round, but Love is the exception that "defies logic." Here is why he is the archetype for a Kellen Moore offense:
- Versatility as a Weapon: Much like a young Kamara, Love is not just a ball carrier.He has shown the ability to line up in the slot and run genuine receiver routes.In 2025, he posted over 1,300 rushing yards and nearly 300 receiving yards at Notre Dame, proving he can be a three-down engine.
- Elite "Juice": Mock drafts from PFFcompare Love’s explosiveness to Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson.He possesses the track-verified speed to turn a routine check-down into a 60-yard touchdown—a trait that has been the hallmark of the Saints' best offensive years.
- Pro-Ready Pass Protection: Unlike many college prospects, Love has been praised for his willingness and IQ in pass protection.For a Saints team looking to protect their investment in Tyler Shough, this makes Love more than a luxury; he’s a necessity.
The Mock Draft Consensus#
The buzz isn't just local. National analysts are increasingly slotting Love to New Orleans in the mid-to-early first round (often around the No. 8 to No. 10 picks).
"Love is a tough player to pass up for the Saints... he is one of the three best players in the class and the class's best all-around offensive player." — Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated
While some fans argue for offensive line help, the counter-argument is simple, a generational playmaker like Love transforms the geometry of the field. He makes the offensive line look better by forcing linebackers to play tentatively and keeping safeties out of the box.
The Next Chapter#
The Saints have spent years trying to find a "Kamara-lite" to spell their superstar, from Kendre Miller to Jamaal Williams, but none have possessed the true "X-factor" potential of Jeremiyah Love. Drafting Love wouldn't just be about replacing a legend; it would be about evolving the offense for the next decade. If the mock drafts hold true, the Saints have a chance to secure one of the best playmakers in the 2026 class and ensure that the "dual-threat" tradition in New Orleans never skips a beat.