Arizona Cardinals Shock the NFL Draft: Selecting Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 Overall in 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft will be remembered for many things, but one moment that sent shockwaves through the football world was the Arizona Cardinals’ decision to stand pat at the No. 3 overall pick and select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. In a move that defied pre-draft trade speculation, the Cardinals doubled down on offense, grabbing the consensus top back in a loaded class.

As Brian Jones previewed on ‘Hot Mic’ earlier this week, the Cardinals entered the first round as the ultimate wild card. “Arizona holds all the leverage,” Jones said. “They can trade down, take a quarterback, or grab the best player on the board. The league is waiting.”

But when the clock hit zero, the Cardinals didn’t flinch. They locked in their pick and landed a generational talent who could redefine their offensive identity for the next decade.

Why the Cardinals Passed on a Trade-Down Opportunity

Leading up to Thursday night, the consensus among draft analysts was that Arizona was the perfect trade-down candidate. Teams like the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and even the Chicago Bears were reportedly calling, hoping to leapfrog rivals for a shot at Love or a top-tier quarterback prospect.

Yet, the Cardinals’ front office, led by General Manager Monti Ossenfort, saw something they couldn’t pass up. “Jeremiyah Love is a rare blend of power, vision, and explosion,” Ossenfort said in a post-draft press conference. “When you have a chance to add a player of his caliber, you don’t overthink it.”

The decision to stay at No. 3 sends a clear message: Arizona is building around Kyler Murray and wants to win now. Love’s ability to impact the game as a runner, receiver, and blocker makes him the perfect complement to Murray’s dynamic style. The Cardinals’ offensive line, anchored by Paris Johnson Jr., just got a massive boost.

Here’s why the Cardinals bet big on Love over a trade haul:

• Elite versatility: Love rushed for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season at Notre Dame, while also hauling in 45 receptions for 520 yards.
• Home-run speed: He ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fastest among all running backs in 2026.
• Pass protection: Pro Football Focus graded Love as the top pass-blocking back in the draft class, a critical skill for keeping Murray upright.
• Leadership: Love was a team captain for the Fighting Irish, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Jeremiyah Love: The Consensus Top Running Back in the 2026 Class

When you watch Jeremiyah Love on tape, it’s impossible to ignore the LaDainian Tomlinson comparisons. He’s not just a runner; he’s a weapon who can line up in the slot, take a jet sweep, or break a tackle in the hole. At Notre Dame, Love carried the offense through a tough schedule that included wins over USC, Ohio State, and Clemson.

Love’s 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and had seven games with over 100 rushing yards. But what separates him from other top backs is his ability to make defenders miss in space. According to Pro Football Focus, Love forced 82 missed tackles on the season—the most in the FBS.

His college coach, Marcus Freeman, summed it up best: “Jeremiyah is a once-in-a-generation talent. He’s humble, he works harder than anyone, and he has a chip on his shoulder. Whoever drafts him is getting a future Hall of Famer.”

Love’s skill set fits perfectly with the Cardinals’ offensive scheme under coordinator Drew Petzing. The Cardinals have relied heavily on James Conner in recent years, but Conner is entering his age-31 season. Love provides a youthful, explosive upgrade that can handle a 300-touch workload.

Scouting report breakdown on Love:

• Vision: Elite ability to read blocks and cut back against the grain.
• Contact balance: Rarely goes down on first contact; runs with a low center of gravity.
• Receiving: Natural hands out of the backfield; can run option routes like a wide receiver.
• Durability: Missed only one game in three seasons at Notre Dame due to injury.

What This Means for the NFC West and the Cardinals’ 2026 Season

The Arizona Cardinals have been a team on the rise. After a surprising 9-8 season in 2025, they barely missed the playoffs. The addition of Jeremiyah Love immediately makes them a legitimate contender in the NFC West—a division that features the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.

Love’s arrival transforms the Cardinals’ offense from a one-dimensional passing attack into a balanced, explosive unit. Defenses will now have to respect the run, which will open up play-action opportunities for Murray and star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Predictions for the 2026 season:

• Offensive rookie of the year: Love is the early favorite to win the award, especially if he gets 20+ touches per game.
• Top 5 rushing offense: The Cardinals’ offensive line and Love’s skill set should propel them into the top tier of NFL rushing attacks.
• Playoff berth: With Love in the backfield, Arizona is a strong candidate to win the NFC West or secure a wild card spot.

But there are risks. Drafting a running back at No. 3 overall is a bold move in an era where the position is often devalued. The last time a running back was selected in the top three was Saquon Barkley in 2018 (No. 2 overall). While Barkley has been productive, injuries have plagued his career. The Cardinals are betting that Love’s durability and work ethic will defy the odds.

Brian Jones weighed in on the pick during his post-draft analysis on ‘Hot Mic’: “I love the player, but I have questions about the value. That said, if Love stays healthy, this could be the best pick of the first round. He’s a game-changer.”

The Future Is Bright in the Desert

The Arizona Cardinals have made a franchise-altering decision. By selecting Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick, they’ve signaled that they are all-in on winning now. Love’s combination of speed, power, and versatility gives the Cardinals a centerpiece for their offense that they haven’t had since the days of David Johnson.

For Notre Dame fans, this is a proud moment. Love joins a long line of Fighting Irish greats who have made an impact in the NFL, from Tim Brown to Jerome Bettis. Love has the potential to be the best of them all.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals have a new star, a renewed sense of purpose, and a running back who could change the trajectory of the franchise. Whether you love the pick or question the value, one thing is certain: Jeremiyah Love is ready to prove he was worth every bit of the hype.

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Source: Based on news from Fox Sports.