Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, compared to Bijan Robinson, could be the Saints' explosive, three-down back, even at pick No. 8.
The drum beat is getting louder and louder. Another outlet is predicting Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love to the New Orleans Saints. This analyst went a step further, making a head turning comparison to another top running back.
ESPN's Matt Miller shared that Love is reminiscent of Atlanta Falcons ball-toter Bijan Robinson. He made the comparison in his No. 8 pick prediction in his two-round mock draft.
"Speaking of drafting non-premium positions early, the Saints could have a similar conversation if Love is there at this pick. He is my No. 1 overall player and a dynamic running back with the talent to be a Bijan Robinson-level threat in the run and passing game. And the Saints have a need at running back with Alvin Kamara entering his age-31 season and no back on the roster emerging as a successor. Love's ability to break off long runs -- he had three touchdown runs of more than 90 yards in college -- speaks to his vision and acceleration at 6-foot and 214 pounds. He had 42 total touchdowns in three seasons and shows NFL-ready ability as a three-down, impact running back who would immediately take pressure off quarterback Tyler Shough."
Rules have exceptions, and, like Robinson in his draft a couple years ago, Love appears to be a player you draft regardless of conventional wisdom about the positional value at running back. That does not mean the move will come without detractors.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesDrafting a running back at No. 8 is still risky, but the reward could be as great. Love had a run of 40 yards or more in about half of his games in 2025. He had a run of 56 or more yards in one-third of his games. That's explosion the Saints would likely welcome and that could translate in his first season in the NFL.
For those concerned about the need for receiver, Miller has the Saints drafting a good one in the second round in Clemson wideout Antonio Williams. The Tigers may not have had the most complete team last season, but they did have a good receiving group. Here's what Miller had to say about the pick.
"Tyler Shough could be the real deal at quarterback, so it's time to build around him. Williams could be the No. 2 receiver the Saints need opposite Chris Olave."
The Saints appear to be loading up on offense according to some experts. We'll see if they can get it done in the spring.