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Jeremiyah Love may end up with the Arizona Cardinals on draft night.
The Arizona Cardinals hold the No. 3 selection in this year’s NFL Draft, and have already been linked to a potential trade down. But while that possibility still remains, there are some in the Cardinals’ front office that have another idea in mind.
The Cardinals have a big need at quarterback, but like many teams not named the Las Vegas Raiders, they may push that need into 2027. Instead, there are rumors that Arizona may target another position early in the 2026 draft.
On his most recent podcast, NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay revealed another potential route that Arizona could take that would involve sticking and picking a blue-chip player with the third overall pick.
“No. 3–Cardinals,” said McShay. “One source is saying ‘I know [Adam] Schefter said that the clock starts on Jeremiah Love at number five’…but there’s someone in that [Cardinals] building that is pushing really really hard for Jeremiah Love that has a say.”
Arizona May Shake Up the First Round of the NFL Draft with a Surprising Pick of Jeremiyah Love
If the Cardinals are targeting the Notre Dame star running back at No. 3, it would certainly be a surprising move. Arizona already boasts a running back room that features James Conner, Trey Benson, and recently signed free agent Tyler Allgeier. And while Love is a potential franchise cornerstone player, running back is far behind some of the Cardinals more pressing needs.
Many NFL circles expect the Cardinals to trade back in the draft, opting to add some future capital while still being able to select highly-touted offensive tackle. Taking Love would show that Arizona is prioritizing adding talent, and taking the best player available, over drafting for need.
Taking Love third overall would send a ripple effect throughout the rest of the first round. Teams like the Tennessee Titans or the Washington Commanders would have to pivot their draft strategies if they were honing in on Love, and subsequent trades could trigger any number of unforeseen selections.
What Could the Cardinals Running Back Room Look Like After Drafting Jeremiyah Love?
If the Cardinals do select Love, one or more of their stable of running backs will end up as the odd man out. Conner will turn 31 this season, and Benson has had troubles staying healthy, so Arizona may roll with Love and the newly acquired Allgeier. Besides Conner, Benson and Allgeier, Arizona also still has Bam Knight and Corey Kiner, both of whom might be on their way out with a potential Love addition.
After dishing out a two-year deal worth $12.25 million to Allgeier, it seems unlikely that the Cardinals would turn around and immediately draft a running back in the first round, but stranger things have happened.
Drafting Love would certainly shake up the draft, especially for teams who thought he may fall towards the back of the top-10. Ultimately the decision for Arizona on whether to pick at No. 3 or to trade back will be based on their thoughts on drafting for need, or taking the best player available.
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