For years, Patrick Mahomes has carried the load.
Now, the Kansas City Chiefs might finally hand him a weapon that changes everything.
After multiple seasons of inconsistent production in the backfield, the Chiefs enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a rare opportunity — and possibly a massive advantage.
They have a top-10 pick.
And the best player on the board might be a running back.
A One-Dimensional Problem
Kansas City’s offense has been electric through the air, but predictable on the ground. Opposing defenses have dared the Chiefs to run — and too often, that bet has paid off.
Without a dominant three-down back, Mahomes has faced extra pressure, tighter coverage windows, and defensive schemes designed to eliminate explosive plays.
The solution?
Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love.
The Best Player in the Draft?
According to multiple draft analysts, Love isn’t just RB1.
He might be the best overall prospect in the 2026 class.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that both Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah view Love as a true top-10 caliber back — the type teams haven’t been afraid to take early over the past decade.
McShay compared him to Bijan Robinson — silky, smooth, explosive, more athletic than he initially appears.
Jeremiah reportedly graded Love:
- Higher than Ezekiel Elliott
- Slightly below Saquon Barkley
- Comparable to Christian McCaffrey
That’s elite company.
What Makes Love Different?
It’s not just the production.
It’s how he produces.
Love is a true three-down workhorse with size and power — but what separates him is acceleration.
When he hits a crease, he doesn’t gear down.
He explodes.
Analysts point to his ability to turn modest 8–12 yard gains into 25-yard breakaways — or house calls. That acceleration, paired with rare lateral agility at full speed, creates chunk plays without sacrificing power.
Daniel Jeremiah highlighted a rare trait:
“He can make people miss without gearing down.”
That’s Jahmyr Gibbs-level elusiveness — but in a bigger frame.
And in the passing game?
He’s fluid. Natural. Reliable.
Exactly what Mahomes thrives with.
Why the Chiefs Could Have a Leg Up
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Teams drafting ahead of Kansas City may not prioritize running back. Quarterbacks, pass rushers, and tackles typically dominate early selections.
If Love slips?
Kansas City could pounce.
And pairing Mahomes with a Bijan/McCaffrey-caliber back would immediately:
- Balance the offense
- Force defenses out of two-high shells
- Reignite play-action
- Take pressure off a quarterback recovering from major knee surgery
In other words?
It would change the math.
A Rare Opportunity
The Chiefs don’t often draft this high.
This is a window.
If they pass on a generational running back and the ground game continues to stall in 2026, the criticism will be loud.
If they draft Love and he becomes the missing piece?
Mahomes won’t have to do everything anymore.
And that’s terrifying for the rest of the AFC.
The Bigger Picture
Running backs don’t always go top-10 anymore.
But elite ones still do.
And the league has shown that a dynamic three-down back can tilt playoff games when it matters most.
Kansas City has the quarterback.
They have the system.
They have championship expectations.
Now they might have the chance to land the one piece that makes the offense truly unpredictable again.
Chiefs Kingdom has been waiting for a run-game revival.
Jeremiyah Love could be it.
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