REWRITTEN SPORTS FEATURE ARTICLE

The Kansas City Chiefs have once again become the center of attention during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. For the first time since their historic trade-up to select quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 draft, the Chiefs find themselves picking in the top 10. This is a far cry from the past several years, when the team was consistently selecting near the bottom of each round due to their continued success.

Now, with the No. 9 overall pick, the Chiefs are in a prime position to make a significant impact on their roster. The anticipation around what Kansas City will do with this pick has been building, with many speculating that they could target several key position groups: defensive line, wide receiver, or running back. However, the name that has emerged as a potential game-changer for the Chiefs—and one that has other teams in the NFL panicking—is Jeremiyah Love, the standout running back from Notre Dame.

NFL Teams Dreading the Thought of Love to Kansas City

During his appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, NFL draft analyst Matt Miller shared insights into the league’s collective fears regarding Love’s potential landing in Kansas City. According to Miller, there is widespread concern among other teams that if Love falls to the Chiefs at No. 9, it could be a devastating blow to the rest of the league.

“Being here for two days now, I can tell you one thing I hear from everyone else in the NFL – please do not let Jeremiyah Love fall to Kansas City,” Miller said. “Don’t let that happen. Do not give Patrick Mahomes Jeremiyah Love.”

This sentiment has quickly become a common refrain in NFL circles, with teams worried about what the combination of Mahomes and Love could mean for the Chiefs’ offense.

Love is widely regarded as the top running back prospect in the 2026 draft, with some even comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley in terms of talent and potential. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back has a rare blend of speed, power, balance, and receiving ability that makes him an ideal fit for today’s NFL offenses.

In his final season at Notre Dame, Love amassed 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, while also contributing 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns through the air. His versatility and ability to make plays in both the running and passing game make him a dynamic threat that would complement any offense—especially one led by Mahomes.

Should the Chiefs Draft Love?

While the excitement around Love’s potential is palpable, some experts believe that the Chiefs may have more pressing needs to address with their first-round pick. As Matt Miller pointed out, Kansas City already has a well-established offense with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice, but there are still key areas of concern that need to be addressed on both sides of the ball.

“I think Kansas City has bigger issues than giving Patrick Mahomes a generational running back talent,” Miller said. “Can they draft a running back when they have no pass rush? Their best corner (Trent McDuffie) has one year left on his contract, he could be traded. The right tackle (Jaylon Moore) is terrible. Their tight end (Travis Kelce) is about to retire. Their No. 1 wide receiver (Rashee Rice) may be suspended. Can you take a running back?”

Miller raises several valid points. Even though Love’s talent is undeniable, Kansas City’s defensive line remains a glaring weakness. The Chiefs were unable to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2025, and addressing this need should be a priority. Additionally, the Chiefs’ depth at wide receiver and cornerback is thin, and with the uncertainty surrounding Rice’s potential suspension, adding a reliable pass-catcher might be just as pressing.

Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs’ top cornerback, has one year left on his contract, and there is speculation that he could be traded. Without solid depth in the secondary, drafting a cornerback or adding a pass rusher to bolster the defense might make more sense than adding another offensive weapon.

Furthermore, Jaylon Moore at right tackle has been underwhelming, and with the aging Travis Kelce possibly nearing the end of his career, the Chiefs might want to focus on securing the offensive line and ensuring that Mahomes has sufficient protection. If the Chiefs use their top 10 pick on Love, they may be overlooking other, more urgent issues that could make or break their championship hopes in 2026.

The Strong Free Agent Running Back Class

Another important factor to consider is the strong crop of running backs available in free agency this offseason. The market will be flooded with talent, and the Chiefs could add a solid veteran presence at the position without spending a first-round pick on a running back. This route might allow Kansas City to address other needs while still improving their backfield.

Given the depth of talent in free agency, it’s worth questioning whether drafting a running back like Love is the best use of their No. 9 overall pick. If Kansas City can secure a proven running back in free agency, they could invest their first-round pick in a more pressing position, such as defense or the offensive line.

Why Love Makes Sense for Kansas City

While some analysts believe the Chiefs should address other areas, there is an argument to be made for why drafting Jeremiyah Love could be a smart move. Adding a dynamic and versatile running back to Kansas City’s already potent offense would make it nearly unstoppable. Love’s ability to stretch the field and create big plays both on the ground and through the air would keep defenses guessing and open up even more opportunities for Mahomes and his receiving corps.

Moreover, the combination of Mahomes and Love would give Kansas City a two-headed monster in the backfield, allowing them to control the tempo of the game and balance their offense. This would take pressure off Mahomes, making the team even more dangerous in high-pressure situations, especially in the postseason.

Conclusion: The Chiefs’ Critical Decision

As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Jeremiyah Love and whether the Kansas City Chiefs are willing to take a chance on him with their No. 9 overall pick. With a high-powered offense already in place, Love would be an exciting addition to an already loaded roster. However, given the Chiefs’ other needs on defense, the decision to draft a running back could spark a debate about how best to balance offensive and defensive priorities.

For the Chiefs, the most important question is whether adding Love is the best move for their long-term success. The rumors surrounding Love and the Chiefs’ potential interest have already sent shockwaves through the NFL, and whether they ultimately decide to make him their first-round pick will have a lasting impact on their 2026 season.

As always, the Chiefs are in the spotlight, and with the right moves, they could continue their dominance in the NFL. However, this offseason will require careful decision-making as they look to solidify their roster for another run at the Super Bowl.