Football
The Washington Commanders appear to have their quarterback of the future in Jayden Daniels, but building around him remains the next critical step. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, one suggestion gaining traction is adding a dynamic weapon out of the backfield.
On a recent episode of “Football Debate Club,” PFSN draft analyst Jacob Infante made a strong case for Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love, a player coming off a 21-touchdown season, as a potential difference-maker in Washington’s offense.
Football Why the Commanders Could Target Jeremiyah Love in the Top 10
The debate centered on whether Love belongs in the top 15 picks, but Infante likes him to go off the board even higher, endorsing the running back as a high-end prospect. He identified Washington as a potential landing spot, earlier than many projections suggest.
“I’m gonna go a bit higher. I’d take Love as early as number 7 of the Commanders,” Infante said. “I think in real life, there’s a chance he could go as high as 4 to the Titans or 5 of the Giants. But I think those are luxury picks for teams who are still a little bit away.”
That stance reflects both Love’s production and his fit within Washington’s current roster. The Commanders are not a rebuilding team in the traditional sense.
They were in the NFC Championship Game just two seasons ago and dealt with significant injuries throughout 2025. That context matters when evaluating how aggressive they can be in the draft.
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Infante’s argument hinges on team trajectory. While franchises like Tennessee or New York might still be laying foundational pieces, Washington is closer to contention. That makes a high-impact skill player like Love more than just a luxury. It becomes a strategic move to maximize the window for a young quarterback.
Football How Love Could Elevate Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ Offense
Infante also pointed to Washington’s offensive identity as a key reason the fit makes sense. The Commanders leaned heavily on the run game last season, and adding an elite talent at running back could unlock another level of efficiency.
“The Commanders, on the other hand, you’re looking at a team, they were the NFC Championship Game just two years ago, dealt with numerous injuries throughout 2025. The Commanders had the fourth highest run ratio percentage at 50.8% last year. Jacory Crosky-Merritt is a solid starter, but Love would be a definitive upgrade, and would really help out Jayden Daniels there.”
That last point is the crux of the argument. Love is not just a productive runner. He is a player who can ease the burden on Daniels by creating explosive plays, improving down-and-distance situations, and adding versatility in both the run and pass game.
Podcast host Cam Mellor also floated Love to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18 overall, showing there is a range of outcomes for where the Notre Dame standout could land. Infante’s projection to Washington highlights a more aggressive approach, one that prioritizes immediate offensive impact.
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With Daniels still early in his development, surrounding him with high-end playmakers is essential. Love’s blend of vision, burst, and scoring ability fits that mold.
If the Commanders view themselves as contenders rather than builders, targeting a 42-touchdown playmaker in the top 10 may not be a reach but a move that accelerates their timeline.
Read More Allison Koehler