ESPN Predicts Notre Dame Star Could Fill Key Chicago Bears Need in 2026 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft are beginning to surface. Among these predictions, ESPN analysts have identified a standout Notre Dame player who could address a significant need for the Chicago Bears. This potential selection underscores both the Bears’ strategic direction and the rising prominence of Notre Dame’s football program.
Jeremiyah Love: A Dual-Threat Running Back
Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic running back from Notre Dame, has garnered attention from NFL scouts and analysts alike. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 210 pounds, Love possesses a blend of size, speed, and agility that makes him a formidable presence on the field. In the 2024 season, he showcased his versatility by amassing over 1,200 total yards and scoring 15 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to impact both the ground and air games.
ESPN’s early projections have placed Love as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with some analysts suggesting that the Chicago Bears could select him with the 16th overall pick. This prediction aligns with the Bears’ need to bolster their offensive backfield and provides a glimpse into how Love’s skill set could complement their evolving offensive strategy.
Chicago Bears’ Draft Needs and Strategic Direction
The Chicago Bears have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, focusing on rebuilding and strengthening key areas of their roster. One of the most pressing needs identified is the running back position. While the team has invested in players like D’Andre Swift, there is a growing consensus that a more dynamic and versatile running back could elevate the offense.
Love’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—rushing, receiving, and pass protection—makes him an attractive option for the Bears. His proficiency in catching passes out of the backfield could provide quarterback Justin Fields with a reliable checkdown option, enhancing the team’s offensive flexibility.
Additionally, Love’s vision and patience as a ball carrier, combined with his burst through the line of scrimmage, align well with the Bears’ zone-blocking scheme. His potential to break tackles and gain yards after contact would add a physical dimension to the Bears’ running game.
Notre Dame’s Rising Profile in the NFL Draft
Notre Dame has consistently produced NFL-caliber talent, and the 2026 draft class is no exception. In addition to Love, other Notre Dame players are garnering attention from NFL scouts. For instance, wide receiver Kris Mitchell, who transferred from Florida International University, has signed a rookie mini-camp deal, indicating his potential to make an impact at the professional level.
The increased visibility of Notre Dame players in the NFL Draft reflects the program’s commitment to developing talent and competing at the highest levels. As the 2026 draft approaches, the Fighting Irish are poised to have a significant presence, with several players expected to be selected in the early rounds.
The early projections linking Jeremiyah Love to the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft highlight the intersection of team needs and player potential. For the Bears, selecting Love could address a critical gap in their offensive lineup, providing them with a versatile and dynamic running back. For Love, this potential selection represents the culmination of years of hard work and development at Notre Dame, positioning him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Love and other Notre Dame prospects, eager to see how their collegiate success translates to the professional stage. For the Chicago Bears, the 2026 NFL Draft could mark a pivotal moment in their rebuilding process, with the addition of a player like Love serving as a catalyst for future success.
