Cowboys predicted to select Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2026 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys need a talent infusion as they look to improve on their 7-9-1 season from 2025.

The good news for Brian Schottenheimer, Jerry Jones and company is that they can use the 2026 NFL Draft to find that talent infusion in a big way.

The Cowboys have two first-round picks thanks to the preseason 2025 trade that sent Micah Parsons from Dallas to the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys have their No. 12 overall pick, but they also have the Packers' first-rounder, which is pick No. 20.

What that means is that they can take a swing at No. 12 because they know they can go a bit more conventional with the 20th overall pick.

Some would never consider drafting a running back high in the first round, but some, like Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports, would not consider Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love a swing at No. 12.

In his recent 2026 NFL mock draft, that's the selection Brockermeyer thinks the Cowboys will make. He also believes it will be a home run swing for Dallas.

Running back or not, Brockermeyer firmly believes in what Love brings to the table.

"Love is my favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year and the best overall player in the draft," Brockermeyer wrote. "He shows exceptional vision and patience, is a weapon as a receiver and brings home-run ability every time he touches the ball. Love has outstanding lateral quickness and explosiveness and gives me Bijan Robinson vibes every time I watch him. Future superstar."

Jeremiyah Love could be Dallas Cowboys' next great running back 

Keep in mind, Jones and the Cowboys once selected running back Ezekiel Elliott No. 4 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, so there is a precedent in Dallas for taking a running back high.

Ironically, Elliott and Love are both from St. Louis. Elliott played at John Burroughs High School in St. Louis, while Love played at Christian Brothers College Prep.

Love is a 6-foot, 214-pound running back who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025.

He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns for Notre Dame (averaging 6.9 yards per carry) while also catching 27 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns. He was a unanimous All-American, a consensus All-American, and broke the Notre Dame record for total touchdowns in one season.

Running backs are still a scary proposition in the first round of the NFL Draft, but when they're elite, they're well worth it. Dallas can point to Bijan Robinson (No. 8 overall), Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 12 overall), Saquon Barkley (No. 2 overall), and yes, Elliott, as recent examples of a first-round running back being well worth their weight in gold — for a time, at least.