The Arizona Cardinals are in an interesting spot as we approach the 2026 NFL Draft. 

The team has one of the most talent-deprived rosters in the league, so there are several different directions the team could go with the No. 3 pick in the first round. Most mocks have had the team taking an edge rusher or an offensive tackle. 

It makes sense to add at either of those positions. However, one insider recently explained that there is “significant buzz” around the Cardinals and a surprising name- running back Jeremiyah Love. 

NFL insider believes Cardinals could take Love at No. 3 

It’s not surprising to hear Love be mentioned as a top three pick. The surprising part is that the Cardinals are one of the teams contemplating drafting him. 

However, SNY’s Connor Hughes recently reported that some in “league circles” indeed expect Love to go to the Cardinals. Love is possibly the top overall talent in this class, but would a team with as many needs as the Cardinals really take a running back at No. 3? 

The Cardinals and veteran James Conner agreed to a reworked deal for the 2026 season. The team also brought Tyler Allgeier in this offseason, and Trey Benson and Bam Knight are still around as well. 

That may make you think this running back room is deep, but that’s not necessarily the case. Conner is about to turn 31 and is coming off another serious injury. Meanwhile, Allgeier has usually been a complimentary option in his career. Benson and Knight have shown flashes, but definitely not enough to prevent the team from drafting another running back. 

Of course, if this was a typical draft class, the Cardinals would almost certainly want to take a quarterback at No. 3. Fernando Mendoza is the only quarterback most think of as a top 15 pick, though, so the Cardinals may decide to go best player available, which could easily be Love. 

Love rushed for over 1,000 yards in both 2024 and 2025, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist after the 2025 season. The running back blocks well, helps out as a pass catcher, and is hard to bring down. Love is the type of player who can immediately transform an offense, and that may be too much for the Cardinals to pass on. 

Sure, the Cardinals need help on the offensive and defensive lines, but imagine what this offense could look like. Love, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and Michael Wilson is definitely an exciting group to build around. 

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