The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of questions at running back once again this offseason with Javonte Williams set to become a free agent. After a big bounce-back season, Williams will be looking for a raise, and the Cowboys do want him to return.
However, that is far from a guarantee, especially if they believe they can upgrade the spot in the draft.
There is an elite running back prospect in this year’s class that could supercharge the Cowboys’ offense. And while Dallas doesn't need an elite running back, his talent might be too good to pass up at No. 12. So, without further ado, here is our scouting report on Jeremiyah Love and why he could be a strong fit with Dallas:
Jeremiyah Love 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 6002
Weight: 214
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.36-4.40
Recruiting: 4-star recruit, 96th ranked prospect, No. 5 ranked RB in 2023 class
College Production: 41 games, 2,882 rushing yards, 594 receiving yards, 42 total touchdowns.
Positives:
- NFL-size who could easily gain 10+ pounds, if needed.
- Elite speed (should run in the 4.3s) and is almost never caught from behind. Homerun hitter.
- Productive receiver who has over 50 career receptions. Natural hands and dangerous in space.
- Gap-scheme runner who sets up blocks well and explodes through holes.
- Does not fumble. Zero career fumbles.
- Can hurdle too much, but does have an excellent feel when it comes to timing jumps and causing defenders to miss.
Love is a well-rounded running back with few defined flaws. Teams searching for a three-down back that can handle all of the work needed to be a No. 1 running back. He’s not quite Jahmyr Gibbs as a home-run hitter, but he isn’t far off either. Love is a dynamic running back who can instantly bring juice to an offense and make an already good run game that much more dangerous.
Negatives:
- Not the most fluid running back horizontally. More of a north-south runner who could do a better job of avoiding collisions.
- Wants to hit too many homeruns and that can cause him to bounce runs outside and lose yardage.
- Not overly powerful and has just average leg drive. Might be wise to pair him with short-yardage specialist in the NFL.
- He’s a good receiver, but his route-running skills are still developing. At his best on swing routes and check-down routes, where he can use athleticism.
- Still improving as a pass blocker. Ducks head too often which could be an issue at the next level.
There aren't many flaws in Love's game, but he's not the most physical running back, and it shows in his between-the-tackle work. His game still needs some development, and his vision isn't ideal, but his athleticism more than makes up for his weaknesses.
For Love to become an All-Pro back, he needs to show more patience as a runner, especially when things aren't blocked well. Knowing the value of a 2-yard run is something he could stand to learn.
Jeremiyah Love NFL Player Comparison: Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Hall was an extremely explosive athlete coming out of Iowa State with prototype NFL size. If it weren’t for an early-career ACL injury, we would be talking about Hall as one of the league’s best backs. His explosiveness and ability to play on all three downs make him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Hall hasn’t had the benefit of playing on any good offenses, and it’s capped his ceiling, but they are similar players, with Love being the slightly better prospect.
Jeremiyah Love Fit With The Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys don’t need a first-round pick at running back, but it’s hard to deny the fit. Dallas has invested a ton of money into their offensive line, and putting an elite athlete who excels in a gap scheme run game could take this unit to the next level.
Love’s ability to play on all three downs would fit well with Dak Prescott, especially as an underneath receiver. But the biggest way that he would improve the offense would be with the big runs, which Dallas didn’t create enough of last season.
Jeremiyah Love NFL Draft Grade: Top-12 Pick
Love isn’t in the same tier of prospect as Bijan Robinson, as he doesn’t run with the same power, nor does he possess the same elite vision, but he isn’t far behind. Love’s home run speed and ability to burst through the tiniest holes make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.
There is a little DeMarco Murray to his game, and that’s a positive and a negative (upright running style), but in the right offense, he can be an All-Pro player who adds value to the run game.