The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record, which isn't awful, given the injuries and adversity the team faced this year.
Heading into the offseason, Minnesota will have to evaluate the quarterback position. J.J. McCarthy showed flashes in 2025, but he also had a bunch of tough moments and dealt with a plethora of injuries.
The Vikings are slated to have the No. 18 overall pick in April's draft, and though the franchise could shockingly take a quarterback or pick a defensive player, Bleacher Report predicts the Vikings will help McCarthy by selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Here is what Bleacher Report's Scouting Department had to say about Love and his potential fit in Minnesota.
"McCarthy came from a run-first collegiate system, and his projection as a passer was based on a limited sample size. The Vikings can try to recreate what made McCarthy successful at Michigan. Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is the caliber of all-around back, who can be an offensive focal point and take pressure off a young quarterback as he continues to develop."
Love had a dynamic season for Notre Dame, rushing for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry. He also added 280 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
With Aaron Jones being a potential cap casualty, Minnesota could be in the market for a running back this offseason to pair with Jordan Mason and aid in McCarthy's development. Spending a first-round pick on a running back usually isn't great value, but Love is an explosive playmaker who will make a difference on Day 1 in Kevin O'Connell's offense.
Love is the best running back in the draft, and it isn't close. The Vikings should look to select the Heisman Trophy candidate if he's on the board at pick 19, and take their offense to the next level.