Saints Eye Top-10 Pick for Dynamic Running Back

With the 2026 NFL Combine behind them, the New Orleans Saints are zeroing in on their top targets for the draft. Pick No. 8 on the clock gives them a chance to secure a high-impact player, but identifying which prospect fits best remains a key decision.

Talent evaluators have highlighted at least a dozen players worthy of a top-10 selection this year. However, not all occupy traditional “premium” positions such as quarterback, edge rusher, or cornerback. Some of the most intriguing prospects this year are safeties, offensive guards, linebackers, and even running backs.

This creates a dilemma for the Saints: do they invest a top-10 pick in a non-premium position if the talent is exceptional? According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the answer could be yes, with running back Jeremiyah Love emerging as a compelling option.

Love’s combination of speed, vision, and versatility makes him an attractive pairing with Tyler Shough, the team’s rising young quarterback. Selecting a dynamic weapon like Love could provide New Orleans with a major offensive boost, echoing past strategies that centered the offense around a single playmaker.

1. Love as a Strategic Fit

Schefter has noted that Love could realistically go no lower than the ninth pick in the draft, making him a potential steal for the Saints at No. 8. He compared Love to other top-tier backs taken early in recent years, such as Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey, both selected at eighth overall. The Saints have precedent for building around a premier running back. Alvin Kamara has been the centerpiece of their offense, but Love offers a different type of explosiveness, potentially giving Shough a new dimension in both the running and passing game. Selecting Love would also allow New Orleans to act strategically ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been known to secure game-changing players in the early first round. With the Chiefs poised to pick shortly after the Saints, New Orleans could preemptively add a weapon to tip the competitive balance. In short, Love provides a rare combination of positional talent and timing advantage. Pairing him with Shough could establish a new offensive identity and give the Saints an edge in a division that continues to feature high-powered offenses.

2. Draft Considerations and Positional Value

Investing a top-10 pick in a running back is unconventional in today’s NFL, where edge rushers, quarterbacks, and cornerbacks typically dominate early selections. However, history shows that exceptional backs can justify such investments, particularly when they complement an emerging quarterback. Love’s skill set aligns with the Saints’ offensive philosophy. He can stretch the field vertically, excel in open space, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. This versatility mirrors the multi-dimensional role that Kamara held, while potentially offering even more explosive playmaking ability. Front office evaluations will weigh positional value against overall talent. While some executives remain wary of early running back picks, the combination of Love’s ability and draft position makes him difficult to overlook. New Orleans could make a bold statement by taking him at No. 8. Ultimately, selecting Love would signal a commitment to providing Shough with a dynamic weapon capable of transforming the offense. Such a move could pay dividends immediately, while also setting up a long-term duo capable of influencing the team’s offensive identity for years.

3. Implications for the Saints’ Offense

Adding Love would reshape New Orleans’ offensive game plan. Shough would gain a versatile playmaker who can threaten defenses both on the ground and through the air. This could open up new opportunities in the passing game and create matchup advantages against slower linebackers and safeties. The move would also continue the franchise’s trend of pairing elite skill-position talent with their quarterbacks. By investing in Love, the Saints could accelerate Shough’s development and reduce reliance on veteran-centric schemes. Fan expectations would likely rise. After last year’s draft, Shough appeared poised to lead the franchise into a new era. Adding Love could further energize the fanbase and provide a tangible symbol of commitment to offensive evolution. In the end, the decision will hinge on draft board dynamics, positional priorities, and the Saints’ vision for Shough’s supporting cast. If Love is available at No. 8, the team will face a tempting opportunity to secure a potentially transformative player.