Notre Dame's Jerimiyah Love could be the Saints' No. 8 pick, injecting electrifying playmaking into their backfield and potentially succeeding Alvin Kamara.
The 2026 NFL draft order is set for non-playoff teams. The New Orleans Saints (6-11) will have a shot at one of the premium positions in the draft with their first-round selection.
As of Monday, the Saints are the No. 8 pick in the draft following a close loss to the Atlanta Falcons (8-9). And while New Orleans played to win the game, the loss result could be for the better in more than one way. Not only will the team have a fourth-place schedule, it will have a Top 8 pick in the draft.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of "USA TODAY" made his mock draft picks for the upcoming draft. He had a surprise pick for the Saints. The writer sent Notre Dame star running back Jerimiyah Love to New Orleans with the No. 8 pick. Middlehurst-Schartz said the following of the pick.
"For all the legitimate concerns of the positional value and limitations of running backs, the all-purpose RB shapes up as the kind of consistent big-play threat for whom teams will pay a significant premium. He'd be a fitting successor to Alvin Kamara and someone who could help Tyler Shough continue to ascend in Year 2."
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Ronnie Bell (85) catches a touchdown pass behind Atlanta Falcons cornerback C.J. Henderson (39) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesPositional value concerns are fair for the position given how often running backs have their career cut short. It's certain that running backs make an impact at the highest level, and sometimes for the entirety of their rookie contract. Yet there are concerns about how long a running back can sustain peak play at the highest level. Many don't see their prime make it much further than Year 5.
Despite the above concerns, Love would undoubtedly have a chance to jumpstart the New Orleans running game and help the team move the ball down the field. In an offense that started to lose depth as the season went on, adding a playmaker of Love's caliber would certainly be well received.
Fellow former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime had an impressive stint with the Saints this year. If Estime's production is any indication of what another Notre Dame running back could bring in New Orleans, Love could be a great addition for the team.
Replacing Alvin Kamara might not be at the top of the Saints' list of pressing concerns, but it is certainly on the mind of many Saints fans heading into the 2026 offseason. Time will tell if New Orleans views the need to be worthy of a first round pick.