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Much like safety, running back doesn’t get the love that it should based on its impact.
Look around the NFL and see Derrick Henry dominate the Green Bay Packers, Bijan Robinson produce over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and Christian McCaffrey serve as the focal point of a dominant San Francisco 49ers offensive run.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is next in line as an elite running back prospect capable of being an every-down threat. Love grades as the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s fourth overall prospect regardless of position.
“Love is a dynamic and explosive running back who possesses the skill set to be a complete weapon in an NFL offense,” Parson wrote in Love’s scouting report. “He combines home-run top-end speed with route-running and pass-catching ability to impact the offense in multiple ways.”
As discussed with Caleb Downs, Love isn’t going to be drafted where his talent dictates. Instead, he could easily fall even further than the safety prospect because of how devalued the running back position is as a whole despite obvious evidence to the contrary.
Today’s offensive approach is all about creating mismatches and getting as many weapons on the field as possible, whether they play wide receiver, tight end or running back. Love fits the mold, particularly for a team in need of a ball-carrier to balance the offense.
No specific landing spots jump out where Love should be a lock to hear his name called. However, a window between picks 17 and 26 based on the current draft order is a fascinating spot for a team to make a move and acquire Love.
Three specific franchises—the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans—sit within that range.
Dallas actually has an earlier pick, which could come into play, with Minnesota wanting to get ahead of the Cowboys. Though Jerry Jones’ decision could be swayed by whether Dallas re-signs Javonte Williams or a defensive prospect is preferred.
The Vikings, meanwhile, can take pressure of their young quarterback, JJ McCarthy, by giving him a younger, more dynamic running back than Aaron Jones.
The Houston Texans lie in wait a little later in first round. The Texans already have a Super Bowl-caliber defense. The team can’t go into another season with aging ball-carriers Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb, though. Woody Marks is a nice change-of-pace option, but he shouldn’t be considered a featured back.
Both the Vikings and Texans are found among the NFL’s bottom 10 in rushing offense. Either could make a significant leap by drafting Love, though an aggressive move to obtain his services may be necessary.