Love has good size and terrific speed (4.36 40 yard dash) to go along with a three-down skill set. He led this class in both yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16) while ranking second in forced-missed tackle rate (3.5) during his collegiate career. He's a capable receiver at all levels, a competent pass blocker and protects the ball well (one fumble on 496 career touches).
Until 40-yard dashes are clocked and arm lengths are measured, most teams are in information-gathering mode. Conversations are happening. Trade frameworks are being floated. But actual draft-board movement? That usually waits for test results and medical rechecks to be finalized.
I've spent the last few days digging through every major 2026 linebacker board I could find - Bucky Brooks, ESPN, NFL Draft Buzz - and one thing is clear. This linebacker class could be one of the strongest positions in the entire draft. If I'm the Dallas Cowboys and even thinking about addressing the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, there will be options. Not just depth pieces, but impact players.
No. 13 overall is the Rams' pick because of a trade with the Falcons. No. 16 overall is the Jets' pick because of a trade with the Colts. No. 20 overall is the Cowboys' pick because of a trade with the Packers. No. 24 overall is the Browns' pick because of a trade with the Jaguars. Teams Without a First-Round Pick There are four teams that do not have a first-round pick in 2026 thanks to trades.
In a league increasingly defined by turnovers and efficiency, linebackers who can process quickly, finish tackles, and take the football away carry premium value. That's precisely what the Washington Commanders should be looking for this offseason, especially with Bobby Wagner likely to retire or take his chances elsewhere in free agency. And that might just come at some stage during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Peters thought he'd found Ertz's heir with Ben Sinnott. Two years into his NFL career, the jury is still out. John Bates is a blocking specialist, and nobody else has the tools to move the needle. Simply put, the Commanders need to find someone who can make it easier for quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw across the middle, a criticism he faced when healthy in 2025.
