The Player the Chiefs Can’t Pass On in ESPN’s New Mock Draft

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, a key name has emerged in ESPN’s latest mock draft — Jeremiyah Love, the standout running back from Notre Dame. Love, who has been a dominant force in college football, is considered by many as the one player the Chiefs should absolutely target this April to help revitalize their struggling run game.

Jeremiyah Love’s college career has been nothing short of impressive. A former Heisman finalist, Love made a lasting impact at Notre Dame before opting to enter the draft. He posted a stellar final season, showcasing his dual-threat abilities both as a runner and a receiver. His abilities make him a rare prospect, and according to ESPN’s Field Yates, Love is the “biggest non-QB difference-maker in the class.”

Love’s Skill Set and Value to the Chiefs

Love’s explosiveness and vision as a runner make him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ offense. He is known for his incredible burst through the line of scrimmage and his ability to change direction at full speed. His skill set could be a perfect complement to Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered passing attack that the Chiefs are known for.

But what makes Love even more attractive is his ability to contribute as a dual-threat back. As a receiver, Love has shown that his routes from the slot are on par with wide receivers. His versatility would add another layer to the Chiefs’ offense, making it even more unpredictable and difficult to defend. This dual-threat capability is exactly what the Chiefs need to balance out their offense and take some of the pressure off Mahomes, especially in situations where the passing game is being tightly contested.

Yates notes that while there is uncertainty whether Love will fall to the Chiefs’ pick, he “would be surprised if he makes it past them.” Given the Chiefs’ need for an explosive offensive weapon and Love’s skill set, it’s hard to imagine Kansas City passing on this opportunity.

Love’s Background and Recruitment Drama

Love’s path to the NFL has not been without drama. During Super Bowl week, Love revealed in an interview with Kevin Clark that another college program attempted to poach him through tampering before he declared for the draft. While the recruitment effort was straightforward, Love chose to stay focused on his goals and avoid distractions, continuing his stellar career at Notre Dame.

Despite the challenges, Love’s decision to stay the course in South Bend allowed him to cement his legacy at Notre Dame. His departure has left a void in the Irish backfield, with freshmen Javian Osborne and Jonaz Walton now competing for the starting role. It will be tough for the next generation of Notre Dame running backs to replicate the impact that Love had during his time there.

Chiefs’ Offseason Moves and Travis Kelce’s Future

While the Chiefs are eagerly awaiting the draft, there are also rumblings about the future of Travis Kelce, their star tight end. Kelce, who has been one of the most dominant offensive players in the NFL, has reportedly been conflicted about the physical demands of the game. Dianna Russini of The Athletic recently reported that Kelce is leaning toward returning for his 14th season with the Chiefs, with a renewed enthusiasm for the staff changes that have taken place.

Kelce’s return would be a significant boost to the Chiefs’ offense, but the team is currently over the projected salary cap. The front office is working on a financial strategy to ensure that they can retain Kelce while also potentially adding new talent like Jeremiyah Love. Integrating a player of Love’s caliber into the offense would be an excellent move, particularly if the Chiefs can balance their financial situation and secure both Kelce and Love.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs have a big decision to make in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Jeremiyah Love might just be the player who can put them over the top. With the Chiefs’ offense already formidable, adding a dynamic player like Love could elevate the team to new heights. If they can add him to their already potent roster, it would be a move that would strengthen the offense and provide a much-needed boost to their run game.

With Travis Kelce’s future still in the balance, the Chiefs will need to carefully manage their finances and roster moves over the next few weeks. However, with their need for an explosive playmaker in the backfield, Jeremiyah Love could be the perfect fit for Kansas City. His skill set, versatility, and ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver make him one of the most sought-after prospects in this year’s draft, and the Chiefs may very well be the team that secures him.

As the draft approaches, Love will likely continue to be one of the top names on the Chiefs’ radar, and if they can make the right moves to get him, the 2026 season could be another exciting chapter in their quest for a Super Bowl championship.