TL;DR
- Minnesota Vikings' 2025 season is disappointing with a 4-7 record, last in NFC North.
- PFSN mock draft projects Vikings selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at pick 12.
- Love is considered a top 2026 NFL Draft prospect, excelling as runner and receiver.
- His addition would bolster the offense and support struggling QB J.J. McCarthy.
The Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a disappointing 2025 season.
Despite a formidable defense and J.J. McCarthy stepping in as the starting quarterback, the team's aspirations haven't materialized as expected. As Week 13 approaches, the Vikings find themselves with a 4-7 record, occupying the last place in the NFC North division.
While the Vikings' playoff hopes aren't officially extinguished, it's evident that improvements are necessary during the upcoming offseason. Jacob Infante of PFSN recently has released a revised mock draft, projecting the Vikings to select a versatile athlete who will bolster their offense.
At pick number 12, Infante projects the Vikings taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Many consider Love to be the premier running back in the 2026 recruiting class.
Regarding this potential pick, Infante offered the following:
The Minnesota Vikings' offense is struggling significantly, largely due to poor quarterback performance. It's premature to abandon J.J. McCarthy, so their primary strategy should involve enhancing his supporting cast to alleviate pressure. This 2026 NFL Mock Draft addresses this by selecting the top running back available in this draft class.
Putting aside his position, I'd contend Jeremiyah Love ranks among the top five prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. His standing is slightly diminished by being a running back, yet he's a dynamic runner. He balances astute decision-making when running between the tackles with exceptional speed, agility, the capacity to alter direction, and a toughness evident both in his running and as a receiver post-reception.
Infante noted that McCarthy's performance in 2025 has been subpar, making it prudent to acquire offensive reinforcements for 2026. Enhancing the running game would significantly alleviate the burden on the inexperienced quarterback, a role Love is well-suited to fill.
By 2025, Love had participated in 11 contests, accumulating 1,306 rushing yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. This exceptional athlete also secured 26 receptions for 274 yards and three receiving scores.
Love has now achieved at least 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. The running back was instrumental in the Fighting Irish reaching the national championship last year, and the team is expected to make the Playoff again this season.
The Vikings rank 25th in total rushing yards in Minnesota. With fewer rushing first downs than only three other teams in 2025, this is problematic, especially as their passing game is also struggling.
Love's presence would aid in advancing the offense during McCarthy's difficulties and provide the developing quarterback with an option in the aerial attack. By 2026, Aaron Jones will be a year older, and both he and Jordan Mason are slated to become free agents in 2027. Love might represent the backfield's future in the Twin Cities.