PITTSBURGH – The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2026 draft with options. Instead of trading down or targeting a traditional premium position, they made a statement by selecting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick, although is this the correct decision for the Arizona Cardinals?
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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
LOVE is heading to AZ!!!@JeremiyahLove | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ExEAoJSE93
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 24, 2026
On the surface, the decision raises questions. Arizona recently re-signed James Conner and added Tyler Allgeier, creating a crowded backfield. But this move isn’t about depth, it’s about identity. Jeremiyah Love enters the league as one of the most explosive offensive prospects in the class. His ability to generate chunk plays, both between the tackles and in space, offers Arizona a dynamic element it has lacked. Advanced metrics at Notre Dame highlighted his efficiency, particularly in yards after contact and breakaway run rate, key indicators of NFL translation.
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Strategically, the pick signals a shift. With no fully established long-term answer at quarterback, Arizona appears to be building an offense that can function independent of elite QB play. A strong run game doesn’t just control tempo; it simplifies reads, reduces pressure on the passing game, and creates play-action opportunities.
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
There’s also a psychological component. A player like Love changes how defenses prepare. His presence alone demands attention, forcing opponents to commit resources to the run and opening space elsewhere.
Still, the debate is immediate for Cardinals fans. Using a top-three pick on a running back in today’s NFL challenges conventional roster-building philosophy. Positional value typically leans toward quarterbacks, edge rushers, and tackles. Arizona is prioritizing explosiveness and offensive stability over positional norms. If Jeremiyah Love delivers on his potential, the Cardinals may have found more than a running back; they may have found the foundation of their offensive identity moving forward.
Arizona Cardinals exercise option on star player before 2026 NFL draft
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
