NFL Draft expert reveals his “match made in heaven” prospect for Kellen Moore’s Saints
New Orleans may be the perfect landing spot for a star prospect.
The New Orleans Saints are prepping for free agency, as it kicks off next week. The 2026 NFL Draft is also just around the corner. It’ll commence at the end of April, and plenty of mock drafts are providing insights into how they may attack the selection process.
A popular pick for the Saints in the first round has been Jeremiyah Love. Yes, a running back in the top ten. Could replacing Alvin Kamara long-term be the best choice for New Orleans? There is some outside support of exactly that.
Saints’ potential match made in heaven scenario for 2026 NFL Draft
NFL draft guru Bucky Brooks was asked who is the first-round match made in heaven prospect/team combo recently.
He brought up the Notre Dame running back landing in New Orleans in Kellen Moore’s offense with quarterback Tyler Shough.
Brooks is a massive fan of Love’s game, for good reason. He has the physical traits and potential to be a Pro Bowl talent at the next level. He is the safest offensive weapon in this class, and New Orleans should have that premise on their radar during the first round.
“Love is Bucky Brooks’ top-ranked running back and the #2 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (RB1). Love could join Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis (10th in 1993) as the only Notre Dame RB in the common draft era to be selected in the top 10 picks of the NFL Draft. Love (4.36) had the 4th-best 40-yard dash by a Combine RB at least 6’ tall since 2003.” — New Orleans Saints
Love’s fit with the Saints would remind fans of Alvin Kamara
Ryan Roberts, who covers both the draft and the Fighting Irish is a big believer in Love’s potential. He compared Love to Kamara specifically – but with even more speed in his profile.
“After backing up Audric Estime as a true freshman, Love proceeded to put together one of the most dominant two-year stretches for a running back in Notre Dame history. Love’s trademark is the big runs, where he showcases home run speed with an uncanny ability to find open space. His combination of short-area explosiveness and quickness for a running back who is 6-0 and 214 pounds. Once Love is able to break the second level, he is rarely ever caught.
A bit of a leggy runner, Love has the talent to make defenders miss in very tight spaces. His stop-start and change of direction skills are breathtaking at times. Love is a natural receiver out of the backfield, presenting even more upside on third down. Add in the fact that Love is also a notable pass protector, and we have a three-down threat who has the ability to become one of the best all-purpose running backs in the NFL.” — Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports
I’m of the belief that Love getting to the no. 8 pick is far from a certainty. There are multiple teams ahead of them with a need at running back and some rumored interest in picking him.
We shall see if Brooks’ dream scenario in the first round comes to fruition, though. The Saints are focused on adding talent around their young quarterback this offseason and picking the stud RB would be another step in that direction, depending on how they attack free agency.
New Orleans Saints News
Tyler Shough is already pushing for the Saints to draft his former teammate in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Saints could use another offensive weapon.
