{"id":862675,"date":"2026-04-09T23:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T23:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/862675\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T23:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T23:43:00","slug":"espns-peter-schrager-says-cardinals-could-draft-wild-card-at-no-3-pick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/862675\/","title":{"rendered":"ESPN’s Peter Schrager says Cardinals could draft ‘wild card’ at No. 3 pick"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Arizona\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a9 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

GLENDALE \u2013 In the weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, consensus often hardens into expectation. That\u2019s why Peter Schrager\u2019s late wildcard addition lands with weight. ESPN\u2019s Peter Schrager believes that the Cardinals will most likely be opting into drafting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, though added in a wildcard draft pick, which was Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.<\/p>\n

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\n\"Arizona<\/p>\n

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Love (4)runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

On paper, drafting a running back third overall feels inefficient as the Cardinals already recommitted to James Conner and added Tyler Allgeier on a two-year, $12.25 million deal. Arizona\u2019s quarterback room, which features Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, doesn\u2019t scream vertical explosiveness. That\u2019s where Love could enter the equation and bring a whole different dynamic to Arizona\u2019s offense. With the future of both Conner and Allgeier in question, Love could also be the Cardinals\u2019 RB of the future.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Arizona running back James Conner (6) breaks out of the backfield against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic<\/p>\n

Love isn\u2019t just depth; it\u2019s multiplicity. At Notre Dame, his yards-after-contact rate and explosive play percentage both ranked among the nation\u2019s best, metrics that translate directly to easing quarterback burden. Pairing him with Conner creates a dual-threat backfield capable of dictating tempo, controlling possession, and manufacturing offense without elite quarterback play.<\/p>\n

\"Arizona<\/p>\n

Notre Dame running back Love (4) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend. \u00a9 MICHAEL CLUBB\/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

For Cards fans, this isn\u2019t about drafting a position; it\u2019s about drafting identity. A Love-Conner tandem for the time being could anchor a top-10 rushing attack, shorten games, and keep Arizona competitive while it searches for its long-term answer under center. Safe picks maintain rosters, but wild cards can redefine them. If Arizona leans into Love, it\u2019s not reaching; it\u2019s committing to a vision where offense flows through physicality, not uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Why does ESPN believe one 2026 NFL Draft prospect is destined for the Arizona Cardinals?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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\nReporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account,\u00a0@BenBliklen<\/a><\/p>\n

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