Cardinals Draft Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love No. 3 Overall
The Arizona Cardinals just made waves in the 2026 NFL Draft. They’ve picked Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick.
This move signals a fresh chapter for the Cardinals’ offense under head coach Mike LaFleur. Love’s selection isn’t just about his college stats—it’s a calculated attempt to add some real spark and unpredictability to the backfield.
He’s the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Unsurprisingly, Cardinals fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation.
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The Impact of Jeremiyah Love on the Cardinals’ Offense
Jeremiyah Love is expected to shake things up for the Cardinals. At Notre Dame, he averaged a wild 6.7 yards per carry and racked up 40 touchdowns in just two seasons.
He’s a big-play threat with serious athleticism—honestly, he fits perfectly with what the Cardinals seem to want on offense.
Versatility and Skill Set
What stands out with Love is his versatility. The guy’s got straight-line speed, a sudden burst in tight spaces, and he just bounces off contact.
He’s also solid at holding on to the ball and usually manages to fall forward for extra yards. Sure, he didn’t catch a ton of passes at Notre Dame, but there’s some untapped potential there if he puts in the work.
- Great straight-line speed
- Excellent short-area burst
- Terrific contact balance
- Sturdy ball security
Historical Significance of the Pick
Picking Love at No. 3 is a pretty big deal for Arizona. He’s their first first-round running back since Beanie Wells in 2009, and you have to go back to Garrison Hearst in 1993 for a higher pick.
It’s clear the Cardinals want to shake up their offense and give fans something more exciting to root for.
Comparisons to Past Drafts
Love’s draft spot brings back memories of Saquon Barkley going No. 2 overall to the Giants in 2018. Both guys were picked for their ability to change games and make a difference right away.
The Cardinals seem convinced Love can be that kind of player for them. If they’re right, this could get interesting fast.
For more on the Cardinals’ draft strategy and what Love could mean for the team, check out the full article on the NFL website.
Cardinals’ Backfield Depth
Adding Jeremiyah Love gives Arizona a backfield mix that’s honestly pretty intriguing. They’ve got veteran James Conner and Trey Benson, both coming off injuries, plus free-agent pickup Tyler Allgeier.
That’s a lot of different skill sets to work with, and it gives the coaching staff plenty of options when calling plays.
Competition and Roles
GM Monti Ossenfort sounds pretty confident about the group, saying competition will work itself out. Head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett have some decisions to make about who gets the ball.
Even with the hype, Love’s going to have to earn his snaps. That kind of competition could end up pushing everyone to be better.
- James Conner: Veteran grinder returning from injury
- Trey Benson: Another returning player from an injury-shortened season
- Tyler Allgeier: Free-agent signee
Future Prospects and Development
Love’s got a ton of upside, but let’s be real—there’s room to grow. He’ll need to work on his patience as a runner and sharpen his receiving skills if he wants to be a true every-down threat.
It’s not clear yet if he can be that workhorse back, but the fact that he wasn’t overused in college is probably a good thing for his longevity.
Areas for Improvement
Sometimes he gets ahead of himself and runs into blockers or misses open lanes. Nothing that can’t be fixed with some coaching and repetition, though.
He’s still young—doesn’t even turn 21 until May—so there’s plenty of time for him to round out his game.
For a deeper dive into what Love brings and where he can improve, check out the breakdown on the NFL website.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Cardinals
The selection of Jeremiyah Love marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Arizona Cardinals. With a backfield now loaded with talent and potential, the team seems ready to bring a more dynamic, maybe even unpredictable, brand of football to their fans.
Love’s mix of athleticism and versatility makes him a pretty intriguing addition to the Cardinals’ roster. There’s still a lot of untapped potential there, and honestly, that’s what makes this move interesting.
As the 2026 season creeps closer, people are definitely going to be watching how Love fits into the Cardinals’ offense. Will the team find a way to really use his unique skill set? That’s the big question.
