"My Team": Steelers' Draft Prospect Has Legitimate Interest In Playing For Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently awaiting the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, PA. They have their eyes set on multiple positions of need, including cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker. Their first-round selection will be an important one, as there are many holes on the roster that need to be immediately addressed. The Steelers have been linked to a plethora of players, including some surprises in NFL mock drafts. However, there is a player that could fall to the Steelers at pick 21 that many may not have had on their draft boards that could prove to make an immediate impact on the team and set the team up for the future. 

Notre Dame product Jeremiyah Love has proven to be a top prospect in the NFL Draft. The running back was extremely effective in his time in college and is a hefty back at 6 feet tall, 214 pounds. The potential first-rounder rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ran for 6.9 yards-per-carry and was a Consensus All-American. Love led the nation in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2024 and 2025. 

In a recent interview with CNBC's Alex Sherman, Love revealed a personal connection to Pittsburgh. 

"The Steelers were my team. I was kinda just born into it. My mom and dad were Steelers fans, so it kinda just fell onto me," said Love.

The Steelers adding a running back with a deep connection to the team would be an interesting addition for the franchise. The Steelers currently have a promising running back room with Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell (free agent), and second-year back Kaleb Johnson. Love could be an impactful player for the team as his frame and skills differ from those of some of the other running backs currently on the roster. 

Love may not be available from the Steelers' draft spot; however, could be an intriguing option for a Steelers offense that struggled in the run game at times last year. 

Steelers May Have To Address Running Backs Room With Gainwell's Potential Departure

The Steelers could have to face the reality that their shockingly productive running back, Gainwell, could decide to take his talents elsewhere. Gainwell had a great year last season that left many Steelers fans shocked. He led the team in receptions (73) and put up an impressive 537 rushing yards and 486 receiving yards with 8 total touchdowns. The Steelers relied on Gainwell's services while their starter, Warren, missed a couple of games due to injury. Gainwell impressed fans and brass alike and is a candidate for a bigger contract this free agency. 

In a world without Gainwell, the Steelers would rely on Warren and Johnson to be the team's top running backs. Warren proved to be a solid starter, but split some time with Gainwell in 2025. Those snaps would go to Johnson, who has had a pretty rough start to his NFL career. Johnson misplayed a crucial kick return in Week 2 of the 2025 season against the Seattle Seahawks. After that moment, Johnson was limited in his carries and didn't see much action the rest of the season. With a starting running back who still splits carries and an inexperienced second-year back, the Steelers may have to make a surprise move in the draft to get some help for the room overall.

If Love falls to pick 21, the Steelers will deeply consider calling his name. The running back room needs another option, and this move sets up the room for the future. Warren is under contract through the 2027 season, and Johnson has three years left on his rookie deal. If Johnson doesn't work out, Love will have four years to prove his worth. The more weapons the better, and the pairing of Love and Warren could prove to be similar to Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Detroit. The Steelers could look to shake up mock drafts and surprise fans in this move, but this move could be one that benefits a running back room full of uncertainty. 

Will the Steelers draft Love? Who will they pick? Let us know below. 

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