CINCINNATI — The numbers scream defense. After surrendering 28.9 points per game in 2025—ranking 30th in the NFL—the Cincinnati Bengals desperately need stops. Most mock drafts have them sprinting to the podium for an edge rusher or a corner with the 10th overall pick.
But NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks just threw a wrench in the “defense-first” logic.
He thinks the Bengals might ignore their bleeding defense to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
The “Blue Chip” Dilemma
In a draft class loaded with defensive talent, Love stands out as a genuine offensive weapon. The Notre Dame junior torched defenses last season, racking up over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns while finishing as a Heisman finalist. He isn’t just a runner; he’s a 4.3-speed receiver out of the backfield who turns check-downs into chunk plays.
Brooks argues that Love’s “competitive stamina” makes him the perfect partner for Joe Burrow, even with the Bengals holding the 10th pick.
“The Notre Dame standout has shown the competitive stamina to handle a heavy workload… making him the perfect complement to an elite quarterback. As a classic RB1 with speed, explosiveness and the playmaking ability to score from anywhere on the field, Love should pique the interest of… the Cincinnati Bengals.” — Bucky Brooks, NFL Network
The draft board complicates things. Brooks projects Love could go as high as No. 7 to Washington, No. 8 to New Orleans, or even No. 9 to the Kansas City Chiefs (who sit just ahead of Cincinnati in this scenario). But if he slides to 10? The temptation to pair him with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins might be too rich to ignore.
The Chase Brown Factor
Here is where it gets messy. Chase Brown just posted a breakout 2025 campaign, tallying 1,456 scrimmage yards and proving he can handle RB1 duties. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and reports from late January indicate extension talks are heating up.
Drafting Love would be a luxury pick—essentially spending premium capital on a position where you already have a verified starter. However, Brown’s contract status creates uncertainty. If talks stall, Love becomes immediate insurance. If Brown signs, a “Thunder and Lightning” backfield could make the Bengals’ offense virtually unguardable, mirroring the Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery dynamic that powered Detroit.
Can They Afford to Ignore the Defense?
History says Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor love investing in the defense, but the returns have been mixed. Since 2022, Cincinnati has used 10 of its last 13 Day 1 and Day 2 picks on defensive players.
- Myles Murphy (2023 1st Round): Finally hit a career-high 5.5 sacks in 2025, but enters his contract year with consistency questions.
- DJ Turner II & Jordan Battle: Solid contributors, but the unit still finished near the bottom of the league last season.
Adding another rookie defender might feel like throwing a cup of water on a house fire. If the front office believes they can plug defensive holes with veteran free agents—perhaps reuniting with a proven pass rusher or spending big on a safety—then drafting a superstar like Love becomes a viable strategy to outscore everyone.
What’s Next
The NFL Combine kicks off in Indianapolis later this month. All eyes will be on Love’s 40-yard dash. If he runs in the low 4.3s as expected, the “Love to Cincy” buzz will only get louder. For now, the Bengals must decide: Do they draft for need and hope to fix the defense, or draft for talent and try to drop 40 points on everybody?
