Cardinals Drafted Jeremiyah Love Third Overall in 2026 NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals used the No. 3 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft to choose Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. First-year head coach Mike LaFleur selected Love over offensive line prospects, a decision that has drawn scrutiny as the team sits with a 2-5 record entering Week 8. The selection prioritized a skill position despite the roster's known deficiencies on the offensive front.

Love has appeared in five games this season but has missed recent action with a high ankle sprain. Through Week 7, the rookie played on 34.4% of offensive snaps. He has rushed for 245 yards on 67 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, and scored one rushing touchdown. He also caught 11 passes for 36 yards and another score. Free agent acquisition Tyler Allgeier has shared the workload with Love.

At 6 feet and 212 pounds, Love is an upright runner who uses patience to wait for blocks to develop. He displays good vision and can block or run routes, but he faces criticism for inconsistent pass protection. According to TruMedia, Love ranks last among running backs with at least 50 carries in tackle avoidance rate at 6.0%.

The opportunity cost of the pick has become a focal point for analysts. Love's contract holds the fourth-highest value and the largest guarantee among running backs in the league. By comparison, the contract for Carnell Tate, who was selected one pick after Love, ranks No. 10 among wide receivers and is the second-most valuable on the Cardinals roster. Some observers argue that selecting Spencer Fano or Arvell Reese at that position would have offered greater impact for the team's current needs.

The situation mirrors the Las Vegas Raiders' selection of Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in 2025. The Raiders were criticized for drafting a running back that high, and the team performed poorly the following season. The prevailing view is that an offensive line must be stable and a quarterback must threaten the deep field before a team justifies spending a high selection on a running back.

Long-term, Love is expected to be a key contributor through his rookie deal. He is often compared to an improved, more patient version of Travis Etienne. The NFL trend has shifted, with teams extending running backs beyond their rookie contracts and players maintaining longevity into their late 20s and early 30s. The Cardinals must address their offensive line to fully assess Love's ceiling.

The team will continue to manage Love's workload as he recovers from his ankle injury. The next step for Arizona is to solidify its offensive line while evaluating whether Love can elevate the run game in the second half of the season.