{"id":153121,"date":"2026-02-16T01:18:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T01:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153121"},"modified":"2026-02-16T01:18:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T01:18:05","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-exclusive-former-gm-says-love-is-worth-a-high-pick-and-perfect-fit-for-the-chiefs-the-bold-claim-has-nfl-circles-buzzing-as-one-of-the-leagues-sharpest-executives-publ","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153121","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 EXCLUSIVE: Former GM says love is worth a high pick and perfect fit for the Chiefs \u2014 the bold claim has NFL circles buzzing as one of the league\u2019s sharpest executives publicly ties affection to draft value like never before. Whether it\u2019s scheme fit or locker room culture, insiders suggest this unconventional endorsement could reshape how Kansas City approaches the upcoming draft. Fans are debating if this is genius or wild talk.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"86\">Former GM Says Jeremiyah Love Is Worth a Top Pick and a Perfect Fit for the Chiefs<\/h1>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/XLGV-YsWMCDt55t10Roa5RNRMl9Hz0HCDtTt6Sfp1t0Gd5dURkHlt2Ntu6rKCCISdBmrYLWuqOh2ERKFg8vi3ceMWcxYsIcf4YBE15cXuug?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/XLGV-YsWMCDt55t10Roa5RNRMl9Hz0HCDtTt6Sfp1t0Gd5dURkHlt2Ntu6rKCCISdBmrYLWuqOh2ERKFg8vi3ceMWcxYsIcf4YBE15cXuug?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop%2Cx_0%2Cy_0%2Cw_5259%2Ch_2958\/c_fill%2Cw_720%2Car_16%3A9%2Cf_auto%2Cq_auto%2Cg_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/25\/01k9273nhs3hhdknsr0m.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop%2Cx_0%2Cy_0%2Cw_5259%2Ch_2958\/c_fill%2Cw_720%2Car_16%3A9%2Cf_auto%2Cq_auto%2Cg_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/25\/01k9273nhs3hhdknsr0m.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/c8YAUwxouGXStFCKh2t480Tuyro4boslGk6WVcmy90IkzMwQw6iXxdTsnq9EzRs7iyMVotlxXPvbMingw47bQaROG8gI5_k_V0CD152prmE?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/c8YAUwxouGXStFCKh2t480Tuyro4boslGk6WVcmy90IkzMwQw6iXxdTsnq9EzRs7iyMVotlxXPvbMingw47bQaROG8gI5_k_V0CD152prmE?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"194\">The modern NFL has largely devalued the running back position.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"361\">General managers frequently hesitate to invest premium draft capital in a role many believe can be replaced through committee approaches or later round selections.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"413\">But that philosophy is beginning to show cracks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"608\">And now, one former executive believes <strong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"495\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jeremiyah Love<\/span><\/span><\/strong> may be the rare prospect capable of redefining the equation for the <strong data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"605\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Kansas City Chiefs<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"613\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"615\" data-end=\"666\">The shifting perception of elite running backs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1200\/675\/sam-darnold-kenneth-walker-celebrates-sb.jpg?tl=1&amp;ve=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1200\/675\/sam-darnold-kenneth-walker-celebrates-sb.jpg?tl=1&amp;ve=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/upload\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/eagles\/aqlroua0lkhbnx12nroz\" alt=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/upload\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/eagles\/aqlroua0lkhbnx12nroz\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/ucuowh7S1K7FtTjIVbrRj6-UCwXXvoVjROIdJmFGMyGNBTqV7QqbGpwCCRUW_VuDImjV04QVfn3ptpS4ZdqZP3yrzGiQQd2cHctRhTGOG8Q?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/ucuowh7S1K7FtTjIVbrRj6-UCwXXvoVjROIdJmFGMyGNBTqV7QqbGpwCCRUW_VuDImjV04QVfn3ptpS4ZdqZP3yrzGiQQd2cHctRhTGOG8Q?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"710\" data-end=\"818\">For years, front offices have treated running backs as luxury pieces rather than foundational investments.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"820\" data-end=\"873\">However, recent history has forced reconsideration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1051\"><strong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"916\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Kenneth Walker<\/span><\/span><\/strong> became the first running back in nearly three decades to earn Super Bowl MVP honors since <strong data-start=\"1007\" data-end=\"1048\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Terrell Davis<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1053\" data-end=\"1201\">The year prior, <strong data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1110\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Saquon Barkley<\/span><\/span><\/strong> produced the most rushing yards ever recorded in a single season including the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1375\">Dynamic backs such as <strong data-start=\"1225\" data-end=\"1266\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Christian McCaffrey<\/span><\/span><\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1312\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Bijan Robinson<\/span><\/span><\/strong> have demonstrated how versatility can tilt playoff matchups.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1377\" data-end=\"1463\">Since 2017, six running backs have been selected within the top 12 of the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1577\">While positional value debates persist, elite production at the position continues to influence championships.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1664\">That context matters as Kansas City weighs its options with the ninth overall pick.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1666\" data-end=\"1669\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1671\" data-end=\"1707\">Why Jeremiyah Love stands apart<\/h2>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/www.syracuse.com\/resizer\/v2\/WC355GLTGJCNVBYD6HZY5KE7F4.JPG?auth=8f14555559dc056c8c0b298e50233edfc0df51331859fc3183b1600193617a3f&amp;quality=90&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1280\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.syracuse.com\/resizer\/v2\/WC355GLTGJCNVBYD6HZY5KE7F4.JPG?auth=8f14555559dc056c8c0b298e50233edfc0df51331859fc3183b1600193617a3f&amp;quality=90&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1280\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/hPG9J6Km2W4zVV23MMn5xCXHjYiaItIr0hm0NTgfpXOVXkj6PPDf1GoJQmKoO7Rv8npC9-e8atVpkGoJu5wjOnstMDyPMI0RCvtojQVsLmU?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/hPG9J6Km2W4zVV23MMn5xCXHjYiaItIr0hm0NTgfpXOVXkj6PPDf1GoJQmKoO7Rv8npC9-e8atVpkGoJu5wjOnstMDyPMI0RCvtojQVsLmU?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/fightingirish.com\/imgproxy\/1fOiWEUkCJQSKMiQiNo_ghg5V8sXADdqjQ7w_1FhhQk\/fit\/1280\/720\/ce\/0\/aHR0cHM6Ly9maWdodGluZ2lyaXNoLmNvbS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyNS8wNC9GQjI1MjYtQkdHLUhJR0hMSUdIVFMuanBn.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/fightingirish.com\/imgproxy\/1fOiWEUkCJQSKMiQiNo_ghg5V8sXADdqjQ7w_1FhhQk\/fit\/1280\/720\/ce\/0\/aHR0cHM6Ly9maWdodGluZ2lyaXNoLmNvbS93cC1jb250ZW50L3VwbG9hZHMvMjAyNS8wNC9GQjI1MjYtQkdHLUhJR0hMSUdIVFMuanBn.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1856\">Former NFL general manager <strong data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1821\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Mike Tannenbaum<\/span><\/span><\/strong> made his stance clear this week.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1858\" data-end=\"1916\">He described Love as a \u201ctrue, dynamic difference maker.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1998\">At Notre Dame, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry across his final two seasons.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2075\">In 2024, he rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on just 163 carries.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2077\" data-end=\"2174\">He followed that with 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, finishing third in Heisman voting.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2249\">At six feet tall and 214 pounds, Love combines acceleration with power.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2299\">He is not merely a between the tackles runner.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2301\" data-end=\"2392\">Across his collegiate career, he recorded 63 receptions for 594 yards and six touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2394\" data-end=\"2444\">In 2025 alone, he averaged 10.4 yards per catch.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2446\" data-end=\"2524\">That dual threat capability aligns seamlessly with modern offensive systems.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2526\" data-end=\"2529\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2531\" data-end=\"2554\">The Mahomes factor<\/h2>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/RQP2aXDakLOF7yS-ARkf4bNVJHoleR53EAXte_-KfjHPsQIlZ9TYV8P2f-R6-om6s_XiB1mWwXRZukJr7d0KtN-fSxktCA0I7GpZ631bBec?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/RQP2aXDakLOF7yS-ARkf4bNVJHoleR53EAXte_-KfjHPsQIlZ9TYV8P2f-R6-om6s_XiB1mWwXRZukJr7d0KtN-fSxktCA0I7GpZ631bBec?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/upload\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/chiefs\/mr4mobaxm4h66t7uoxzs\" alt=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/upload\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/chiefs\/mr4mobaxm4h66t7uoxzs\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/private\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/chiefs\/vqhilsc1azmbj0pkowog\" alt=\"https:\/\/static.clubs.nfl.com\/image\/private\/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop\/chiefs\/vqhilsc1azmbj0pkowog\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"2600\" data-end=\"2688\">Kansas City\u2019s offense remains anchored by <strong data-start=\"2642\" data-end=\"2685\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Patrick Mahomes<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2690\" data-end=\"2799\">However, recent postseason exits have revealed vulnerabilities when the passing game stalls under pressure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2915\">An explosive running back capable of generating chunk plays without perfect blocking could rebalance the attack.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3010\">Tannenbaum emphasized that Love\u2019s presence could allow Mahomes to operate with less strain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3054\">Play action would become more dangerous.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3056\" data-end=\"3119\">Defensive coordinators would face expanded coverage dilemmas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3121\" data-end=\"3223\">The Chiefs have thrived on creativity, but sustained offensive balance could prolong Mahomes\u2019 prime.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3225\" data-end=\"3228\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3230\" data-end=\"3274\">Lessons from past top draft investments<\/h2>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/lsutigerswire.usatoday.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/images\/smg\/2025\/02\/16\/SLSU\/78852709007-8-15592.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;crop=2318%2C1304%2Cx0%2Cy0&amp;format=pjpg&amp;height=1304&amp;width=2318\" alt=\"https:\/\/lsutigerswire.usatoday.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/images\/smg\/2025\/02\/16\/SLSU\/78852709007-8-15592.jpeg?auto=webp&amp;crop=2318%2C1304%2Cx0%2Cy0&amp;format=pjpg&amp;height=1304&amp;width=2318\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)]\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/vnNrsO2GphtFi9TjNWqM2dRN5drAzYl57bmco2yH_wuyqepMvz2lxwgNfGx2nYPQ04lB0TtKl-e9HyBJY63E6AbmVcf5JS1cn44u9fbTbik?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/vnNrsO2GphtFi9TjNWqM2dRN5drAzYl57bmco2yH_wuyqepMvz2lxwgNfGx2nYPQ04lB0TtKl-e9HyBJY63E6AbmVcf5JS1cn44u9fbTbik?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/V-R6uTErdbAoiEYthR4AzU8FhZ30NsA7C7KUhG6O99IJOBntFcy6lMOdvWi7ReoDoS6mvg01lal4Qfj-Gls7MYBbe2ahtxJvIqJdU0706k4?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/V-R6uTErdbAoiEYthR4AzU8FhZ30NsA7C7KUhG6O99IJOBntFcy6lMOdvWi7ReoDoS6mvg01lal4Qfj-Gls7MYBbe2ahtxJvIqJdU0706k4?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none absolute end-2 bottom-2\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full px-2 py-1.5 text-white backdrop-blur-md backdrop-brightness-75\"><span class=\"text-xs font-semibold\">4<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"3320\" data-end=\"3404\">Critics often cite cautionary tales when discussing early running back selections.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3428\">Yet context matters.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3620\"><strong data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3473\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Leonard Fournette<\/span><\/span><\/strong> did not reach a Super Bowl with Jacksonville but played a pivotal postseason role for Tampa Bay in a championship run that defeated Kansas City.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3698\">McCaffrey reached a Super Bowl with San Francisco after a midseason trade.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3700\" data-end=\"3769\">Barkley left New York and later captured a title with Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3844\">Notably, each of those Super Bowl appearances came opposite the Chiefs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3846\" data-end=\"3963\">That irony underscores how transformative backs can shift championship outcomes when placed in the right ecosystem.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"3968\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3970\" data-end=\"3996\">Is Love the exception<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3998\" data-end=\"4109\">The argument against drafting running backs early remains rooted in contract economics and injury volatility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4111\" data-end=\"4165\">However, every draft class presents unique outliers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4167\" data-end=\"4271\">Love\u2019s production, athletic profile, and receiving versatility position him within that rare category.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4273\" data-end=\"4451\">If Kansas City believes he can anchor the offense for five cost controlled years, the ninth overall pick becomes less about positional value and more about offensive evolution.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4453\" data-end=\"4517\">The Chiefs have built a dynasty on bold, calculated decisions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4519\" data-end=\"4587\">Selecting Love would signal a willingness to zig where others zag.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4589\" data-end=\"4656\">Whether Kansas City ultimately makes that move remains uncertain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4658\" data-end=\"4774\">What is clear is that Jeremiyah Love has entered the conversation as more than just another running back prospect.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4776\" data-end=\"4868\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">He represents a potential strategic pivot for a franchise perpetually chasing championships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former GM Says Jeremiyah Love Is Worth a Top Pick and a Perfect Fit for the Chiefs 4 The modern NFL has largely devalued the running back&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":153125,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-153121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - 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Whether it\u2019s scheme fit or locker room culture, insiders suggest this unconventional endorsement could reshape how Kansas City approaches the upcoming draft. Fans are debating if this is genius or wild talk.. \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=153121\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 EXCLUSIVE: Former GM says love is worth a high pick and perfect fit for the Chiefs \u2014 the bold claim has NFL circles buzzing as one of the league\u2019s sharpest executives publicly ties affection to draft value like never before. Whether it\u2019s scheme fit or locker room culture, insiders suggest this unconventional endorsement could reshape how Kansas City approaches the upcoming draft. 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