Love is widely regarded as the top talent in this class regardless of position, and his Notre Dame tape has helped sustain strong top-five projections, with some scenarios suggesting he could go as high as third overall.
A third-overall selection could push Love’s fully guaranteed money to about $53.9 million, a figure that would break the current RB record and far outpace recent benchmarks set by other top backs.
Even if Love lands at No. 7, a spot currently held by a running-back-needy team, he could still set a new mark for guaranteed money, underscoring how fast rookie salaries have risen in recent years.
Historically, Saquon Barkley carried $31.1 million guaranteed as the No. 2 pick in 2018, and Ashton Jeanty’s 2025 deal sits at $35.8 million guaranteed, highlighting the rapid growth in running-back contracts.
While the position has regained some value, teams at the draft’s top must weigh talent and positional priorities against the cost of a premium back. Market dynamics will become clearer on Thursday night as teams finalize their decisions and Love’s status is determined.
