Minnesota eyes elite Notre Dame runner Jeremiyah Love. His explosive stats and tackle-breaking ability could revitalize the Vikings' offense.
The Minnesota Vikings (9-8) fell off in the 2025 NFL season from a 14-3 record and playoff appearance a season ago. The Vikings' struggles are often blamed on starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but their 2025 draft did not help much.
The Vikings' most recent draft is considered among the worst in the NFL after not seeing much in the way of first year contributors outside of offensive lineman Donovan Jackson. For that reason, the Vikings' upcoming draft is critical to the team's immediate and long term prospects.
Cody Williams of "Fansided" gave his pick for the Vikings at No. 18. He has the team taking the player so many have speculated Minnesota could take, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Williams started with a short draft note on the player.
"1,372 yards and 18 TDs this season despite just 199 carries; 60 forced missed tackles, highlighting elite tackle-breaking and elusiveness."
Love's statistics are staggering given how much production the top receivers in the NFL draft put up in 2025. 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns are marks that are difficult to duplicate, and certainly worthy of the Vikings' consideration.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) hands the ball off to Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Stan Szeto-Imagn ImagesWilliams continued with his description of the pick.
"Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seemed pretty non-committal on J.J. McCarthy for next season, but as of right now, that's their best option at quarterback. Even if they bring someone in, it's hard to believe they'd be a franchise-caliber guy. So for me, I see Minnesota pivoting to try and McCarthy-proof their offense a bit more, or at least giving him more of a cushion. Jeremiyah Love would be a substantial upgrade over Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, and a true stalwart in the run game. It doesn't solidify the feelings at QB, but it does make the offense more bankable and balanced."
If the Vikings are to do anything of substance in the 2026 season, adding a player of Love's caliber certainly stands to improve the team. Minnesota needs players that can help them win now, and if recent running backs are any indication, there's perhaps no position that sends immediate contributors more frequently than the running back position.
Are the Vikings destined to draft the Notre Dame star running back? Prevailing wisdom suggests there's a strong possibility of it. The fit makes sense and could help J.J. McCarthy have another dimension to rely upon, especially given the Vikings are already strong at receiver.
We'll monitor what the team will do at the position.