With three weeks still to go before the 2026 NFL Draft begins, there is plenty of time to play out every possible scenario the Cleveland Browns could face in making the No. 6 overall pick. Though their targets should be crystal clear, with a wide receiver or an offensive lineman as the need-based priority, there are plenty of other worthy prospects to consider.
One of them is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who is one of the most highly touted college players at that position in years. The Browns have not been linked to Love in many pre-draft forecasts, as they seem to be more than set at the position after selecting Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in last year’s draft.
That is why analyst Daryl Ruiter is sending a warning to the Browns about drafting the top running back prospect, saying that their valuable initial pick is better used elsewhere.
“They already took two running backs. You draft three running backs in [two] years, that’s not great. You can use [Jeremiyah Love] as a hybrid player. He can score from the slot. He can score from the backfield. He is an explosive game-changing-type player, but again, you drafted two running backs last year, so I don’t know that spending your highest draft pick this year would be the smartest way to go about your roster construction when you have other needs,” Ruiter said.
"You drafted 2 RB's last year I don't know that spending your highest draft pick this year would be the smartest way to go about your roster construction when you have other needs."
📞@RuiterWrongFAN on why the Browns drafting Jeremiyah Love at 6th overall would not be smart pic.twitter.com/YC8klkyN6L
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 3, 2026
Love is ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in this year’s draft by The Athletic. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Love ranked No. 2 overall behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and Love is No. 3 on Pro Football Focus’ big board, behind Mendoza and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.
So, adding a player of that caliber, regardless of position, could be in the Browns’ best interest. They did lose running back Jerome Ford to the Washington Commanders this offseason as a free agent.
Love has primarily been linked to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 overall in many mock drafts. But if he were to fall to No. 6 and the Browns did not want to select him, they could then find themselves in a perfect position to trade down with a team that covets Love.
Judkins was a second-round pick in last year’s draft, and Sampson was chosen in the fourth round. Despite a delayed start to his NFL career, Judkins threatened a 1,000-yard season before a leg injury ended his campaign in Week 16 at 827 yards.
He is expected to recover from surgery in time for some offseason activities, but if the Browns are in any way unsure about that, perhaps they will actually consider adding Love to the backfield.
NEXT: Shedeur Sanders Shows Off Impressive Strength In Viral Video
