by The Big Easy is buzzing with a rumor that could redefine the “Thunder and Lightning” dynamic in the NFC South. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the latest New Orleans Saints mock draft running back projections have shifted away from the trenches and toward the backfield, identifying a blue-chip playmaker to alleviate the burden on a legendary veteran. While Alvin Kamara remains the face of the franchise, his recent contract restructure and a string of nagging injuries suggest the Saints are finally ready to secure his eventual successor while maximizing their current window.
The Heir to the Throne: Why Jeremiyah Love is the Name to Watch
If you haven’t been paying attention to South Bend, it’s time to start, because Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has emerged as the premier New Orleans Saints mock draft running back target. Standing 6-foot and weighing 212 pounds, Love is a consensus All-American who fits the Kellen Moore offensive scheme like a tailored suit. With a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash recorded at the 2026 NFL Combine, he possesses the home-run speed that the Saints’ offense lacked during a stagnant 2025 campaign.
A Statistical Monster Ready for the Pro Level
The numbers behind this potential New Orleans Saints mock draft running back selection are nothing short of eye-popping. Over the last two collegiate seasons, Love has racked up nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 40 total touchdowns, proving he is more than just a “speed back.” More importantly for New Orleans, he is a natural receiver out of the backfield, mirroring the versatile skill set that made Kamara a perennial Pro Bowler. Analysts believe pairing Love with second-year quarterback Tyler Shough would provide the explosive “safety valve” necessary for a young signal-caller to thrive.
The Alvin Kamara Factor: Restructure or Reality Check?
The urgency for a New Orleans Saints mock draft running back became crystal clear this week following Alvin Kamara’s contract adjustment. On March 6, 2026, the Saints lowered Kamara’s cap hit by $8 million, a move that provides immediate breathing room but also signals a “wait-and-see” approach for his future beyond this season. At age 30 and coming off a career-low rushing yardage total, Kamara is at a crossroads where a high-end complementary back isn’t just a luxury—it’s a requirement for the team’s survival.
Strategy at No. 8: Can They Afford to Pass on Defense?
Holding the No. 8 overall pick puts Mickey Loomis in a spicy predicament regarding this New Orleans Saints mock draft running back strategy. While the roster has glaring needs at edge rusher and wide receiver, the consensus is that Jeremiyah Love is a “generational” talent who transcends typical positional value. If the Giants or Cardinals pass on him in the top five, New Orleans might find it impossible to ignore a player who averaged over six yards per carry and generated 39 runs of 10+ yards last season.
Comparing the Options: Love vs. The Field
While Love is the headliner, he isn’t the only New Orleans Saints mock draft running back being discussed in the war room. Scouts have also kept close tabs on Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson, whose Combine metrics—including a 4.56-second 40-yard dash—drew eerie similarities to Kamara’s own pre-draft profile. Other names like Penn State’s Nick Singleton offer more “bruiser” potential, but the Saints appear locked in on finding a dual-threat weapon who can keep the offense’s creative playbook wide open.
| Prospect | School | Strength | NFL Comparison |
| Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame | Elite Speed/Versatility | Jahmyr Gibbs |
| Emmett Johnson | Nebraska | Vision/Contact Balance | Alvin Kamara |
| Nick Singleton | Penn State | Raw Power/Size | Nick Chubb |
The Verdict: A New Era in New Orleans
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a New Orleans Saints mock draft running back in the first round would be a bold statement to the rest of the league. It signals that New Orleans is prioritizing immediate offensive firepower to support their young core rather than slow-playing a rebuild. If the cards fall right on April 23 in Pittsburgh, the Saints could walk away with the most dynamic backfield duo in football, ensuring that the “Who Dat” nation has plenty to cheer about for years to come.
