Chiefs projected to add weapon for Patrick Mahomes in first round of 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Chiefs will pick in the top 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft for the first time since selecting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes back in 2017, and they could potentially use the pick to add a major offensive weapon for Mahomes.

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Kansas City’s offense needs a boost heading into the ’26 season, and perhaps Jeremiyah Love could provide that.

Chiefs select Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love in 1st round of 2026 NFL mock draft

In his latest ’26 mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Chiefs selecting the Notre Dame running back to bolster the backfield and open things up for Mahomes and the passing attack.

As a Junior for Notre Dame last season, Love rushed for 1,372 yards, caught 27 passes for 280 yards and scored 21 total touchdowns.

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From Kiper:

You could see it, right? The Chiefs make their first pick in the top 10 since they took Patrick Mahomes at No. 10 in 2017 and promptly use the selection to get a game-changing running back to pair with their star quarterback? Improving the run game could open up the offense in a big way. The Chiefs were in the bottom half of the league in yards per carry (4.2) and runs of 10-plus yards (44) this season, and Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are both free agents. It’s time to inject some juice into this ground attack.” 

With Hunt and Pacheco both headed for free agency, the Chiefs will obviously need to address the running back position over the offseason one way or another, and landing a lead back through the draft would probably be the most cost-effective way to fill the position.

Love is widely considered as the top running back prospect in the draft class, and his ability to serve as a dual-threat back – he caught 55 passes over the past two years – could add to his value for the Chiefs. If he pans out, Love could be a guy who fills the backfield in Kansas City for years to come.

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