Kansas City Chiefs Expected To Land 1,600-Yard Running Back For Patrick Mahomes To Help Keep Their Dynasty Alive
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Kansas City Chiefs may try something different in the 2026 NFL Draft. And recent predictions suggest they could make a move that changes how the offense looks around Patrick Mahomes.
Pro Football Network analyst Josh Weil projects the Chiefs taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 12 overall pick. That would be an unusual draft spot for Kansas City, but it gives them a chance to add a high-end playmaker instead of just filling needs.
Weil believes Love fits what Kansas City lacks. He sees speed, balance, and versatility. He also sees a chance to bring back the explosive element that once defined the offense. “With Kansas City in a rare position to pick so high and needing to add a new element to their team, bringing in a running back with the upside of Jeremiyah Love would be perfect,” Weil wrote.
Love enters the 2026 draft as one of the most productive players in college football. He followed a 19-touchdown sophomore year with a huge 2025 season. He rushed for 1,372 yards and scored 21 times. That run earned him a spot in New York as a Heisman finalist.
He also hurt defenses in other ways. Love totaled more than 1,650 scrimmage yards for Notre Dame in 2025. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry in back-to-back seasons. Weil believes that kind of all-around skill could give Patrick Mahomes even more help, especially if Mahomes returns fully healthy from his ACL injury.
Why Jeremiyah Love Stands Out As A Chiefs Target
Some Chiefs fans may not like the idea of drafting a running back early. This situation feels different. Love offers skills Kansas City has not had in a long time.
Recent examples support the move. Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs made an instant impact after going early in the draft. Even Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has shown promise on a weaker team.
Bleacher Report also rates Love highly. Draft analyst Dame Parsons gave him an 8.5 out of 10, the same grade as Jeanty and just below Robinson. Parsons even compared Love to Gibbs.
“Jeremiyah Love is the ‘new age’ bell cow running back who does not have to leave the field,” Parsons wrote. He added, “Love is a dynamic and explosive running back who possesses the skill set to be a complete weapon in an NFL offense. He combines home-run top-end speed with route-running and pass-catching ability to impact the offense in multiple ways.”
Love actually ran a 10.76 in the 100 meters.
Some concerns remain. Parsons pointed to Love’s lean frame. CBS Sports echoed that view and noted he lacks ideal mass for a full-time feature role.
Still, the upside draws attention. If Kansas City wants a true all-purpose back, Love fits perfectly. The draft remains months away, but the planning has already started.
