GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals secured one the biggest shock of the 2026 NFL draft by drafting Norte Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. When ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team’s interest in the halfback, many viewed it as a ploy to get a massive package for the third overall pick. However, once draft night arrive, the NFL called Arizona’s bluff and paid the price of losing out on Love.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As days passed from the event, head coach Mike LaFleur appeared on the Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday to pull the curtain back on the franchise’s draft night plan. While he confirms some members of the Cardinals were looking to trade out of the pick, LaFleur was deadest on the Heisman Finalist.
The Arizona Cardinals introduce their first-round draft pick running back Jeremiyah Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. Syndication: Arizona Republic
LaFleur on his desire to draft Love:
LaFleur began gushing about the 21-year-old’s presence outside of the football field, highlighting his maturity and humility. The offensive minded head coach has secured his running back of the future and seems to already be drawing up plays for him in the backfield. Love during his introductory press conference hammered home his excitement to be in this system, as the two seem like a match made in heaven.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during a pre-draft news conference on April 16, 2026, at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.
While the quality of the man is highly rated, Love’s on the field ability is just as great. In final two collegiate season, Love had 35 rushing touchdowns in 28 games and 2,497 rushing yards. At six-foot, 214 pounds his size and power should be his greatest strength, but then he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and the speed on display is unheard of for a back his size. The stats and raw physical ability makes it clear why LaFleur was honed in on Love from the very beginning.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
