Dan Orlovsky Feels Jeremiyah Love, Not Fernando Mendoza Is the Best Player in Upcoming NFL Draft

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky claimed that Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the best player in the 2026 NFL draft and not CFP champion Fernando Mendoza.

Dan Orlovsky Feels Jeremiyah Love, Not Fernando Mendoza Is the Best Player in Upcoming NFL Draft

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Dan Orlovsky inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Dan Orlovsky believes Jeremiyah Love is the best player in the 2026 NFL draft, despite Fernando Mendoza being projected as the number one pick.
  • Love showcased impressive athleticism at the NFL Combine, finishing the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds.
  • There is uncertainty about Love's draft position, with teams like the Cardinals and Titans also interested in selecting a running back.

Fernando Mendoza may be projected as the number one overall pick, but that does not necessarily make him the best player in the 2026 NFL draft. According to Dan Orlovsky, the honor of the best player of the draft belongs to Jeremiyah Love.

Speaking on the recent episode of Get Up on ESPN, Orlovsky praised the Notre Dame running back for displaying impeccable athletic ability in college and then at the NFL Combine last week.

This young man can put on an absolute show when it comes to physical talent and athletic ability.

Dan Orlovsky declared

Love set the combine on fire. He finished the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds. For comparison, Love is only .04 milliseconds slower than Miami speedster De’Von Achane. After recording his official time, Love told NFL Network’s Stacey Dales about his disappointment with the result.

A little bit disappointing. I wanted to run like a 4.2. Didn’t get there, but 4.3 is good. I’m OK with it. Wanted better, but 4.3 is just fine with me.

Love revealed

Running a sub-4.2 40-yard dash would have placed him next to legendary East Carolina running back and 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Chris Johnson (4.24 seconds). Whether or not he hit his target, Love definitely caught some attention in Indiana.

According to Orlovsky’s colleague, Mel Kiper Jr., the Notre Dame rusher is projected to fall to the Chiefs at #9. However, his impressive combine score has significantly boosted his draft stock.

I know he is not going to go number one overall. That is more likely going to be Fernando Mendoza. But when it comes to the best player in the draft, that’s Jeremiyah Love.

Orlovsky quipped

Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy after leading the University of Indiana to its maiden CFP Title. He edged out Love and Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia in the voting process. Love had 1372 yards from the backfield for the Fighting Irish in his final season with the college football program.

Jeremiyah Love is not a guaranteed pick for the Chiefs

The Chiefs fans have been yearning for a swashbuckling running back since Jamaal Charles walked away from pro football. Players such as Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams, and Isiah Pacheco have donned the Chiefs’ red since then, but none have produced at the same level as Charles.

Dan Orlovsky Feels Jeremiyah Love, Not Fernando Mendoza Is the Best Player in Upcoming NFL Draft
Jeremiyah Love (Image via IMAGO)

Even during the Chiefs’ three Super Bowl-winning campaigns, they did not field a 1000-yard rusher. Hunt’s last 1000-yard season came a couple of years before the dynasty led by Patrick Mahomes finally won a ring.

After finishing 6-11 in 2025, the Chiefs are presented with an opportunity to select arguably the best running back in the upcoming draft. ESPN draft specialist Matt Miller, at the start of the Combine, provided an interesting take on Love potentially playing for the Chiefs.

Being here for two days now, I can tell you the thing I hear from everyone—’Please do not let Jeremiyah Love fall to Kansas City.’ Don’t let that happen. Do not give Patrick Mahomes Jeremiyah Love.

Matt Miller said

The Chiefs just need a few tweaks to challenge for the title once again. Love is excited to share the field with Mahomes, whom he considers the best quarterback in football.

Playing with Patrick Mahomes. I feel like he’s the best quarterback as of right now. Best in the league. It would be an honor to play with him.

Love said at the combine

Just because Love wants to play in KC doesn’t mean he can, as he doesn’t control the draft. After the combine he had, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he gets picked well before the Chiefs’ turn comes around. The Cardinals, Titans, and even the Giants are in the hunt for an explosive running back. One of them could easily draft Love, leaving the Chiefs vying for the next best option, or fill a different position.

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