SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love progressed toward becoming a top NFL prospect, the way the league valued his position was erratic.As he wrapped up his high school career in 2022, no running backs went in the first round, even after Saquon Barkley’s arrival. Then the Falcons took Bijan Robinson in the top 10. Then none again. Last year, Ashton Jeanty went to the Raiders at No. 6.Love, a potential top-five pick, hopes he’ll help solidify how much running backs still matter in the modern game. He totaled 2,497 yards and 40 total touchdowns over the last two seasons and was Heisman Trophy runner-up last season.“Each draft class has done a great job increasing the value of running backs,” he said Tuesday at Notre Dame’s pro day. “We had Bijan, Jeanty, me, Saquon — a lot of these backs have been putting on for the position. Them doing what they have done has further propelled the importance of having a good running back.”No one has to sell Bears coach Ben Johnson on that, but Love is out of his reach. The Bears will pick 25th when the draft begins April 23, then at Nos. 57 and 60 overall in the second round.Other Notre Dame prospects are on their radar, though, and the Bears sent multiple scouts Tuesday.Running back Jadarian Price, who excelled even while sharing the backfield with Love, is projected to go late in the first round or slip to the second. Offensive…
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