ESPN NFL mock draft 2026 from Mel Kiper Jr. has Chiefs taking a RB

[ASFN Admin]

With the 2026 NFL Combine coming up later this week, it's time for another round of mocks. One of the more intriguing names being thrown around is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who has the talent to be one of those rare first-rounders.

Our latest 2026 NFL mock draft from Christian D'Andrea has Love going No. 8 overall to the New Orleans Saints, who have an intriguing offense developing. But in the latest ESPN mock draft from Mel Kiper Jr., he's got Love to... the Kansas City Chiefs! It's not THAT outlandish given the struggles the team had out of the backfield this past season, but let's remember the last time this team took a running back in the first round (hello, Clyde Edwards-Helaire).

Here's his take on why the pick makes sense:

Love is No. 2 on my Big Board, showcasing elite-level vision and burst. He can make a house call any time he touches the ball, and with his hands out of the backfield, he can stick on the field on third down. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are free agents, and they weren't exactly lighting up the ground game last season anyway. Love -- who had 1,372 rushing yards and 18 rushing TDs in 2025 -- could bring a whole new element to the Kansas City offense.

Intriguing! Make sure to check out the latest NFL mock draft from D'Andrea!

This article originally appeared on For The Win: ESPN NFL mock draft 2026 from Mel Kiper Jr. has Chiefs taking Love

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