The Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a decision that raised questions about positional value for a team with multiple roster needs. First-year head coach Mike LaFleur's offensive philosophy prioritized the offensive line, yet the Cardinals opted for a running back over prospects like offensive tackle Spencer Fano or linebacker Arvell Reese.
Love's Impact and Opportunity Cost
Through seven weeks, Love has played 34.4% of offensive snaps, missing time with a high ankle sprain. He has 67 carries for 245 yards (3.7 avg) and one rushing touchdown, plus 11 receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. Free agent Tyler Allgeier has shared the workload. Love ranks last among running backs with at least 50 carries in tackle avoidance rate (6.0%) per TruMedia. The Cardinals are 2-5.
The opportunity cost is significant: Love's contract is the fourth-highest value among running backs with the largest guarantee. By comparison, wide receiver Carnell Tate, picked one spot later, has the 10th-highest value among receivers. An offensive tackle or linebacker would have provided more contractual value and arguably greater on-field impact.
Long-Term Outlook
The situation mirrors the Las Vegas Raiders' 2025 selection of Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, after which the team regressed. A running back should complement a sound offensive line and a quarterback who threatens downfield; without those, defenses stack the box.
Long-term, Love projects as a key contributor through his rookie deal. His draft profile resembled a more patient Travis Etienne, but his ceiling depends on offensive line improvement. NFL teams are increasingly extending running backs beyond rookie contracts, and the position's value is rising as the run game becomes more prominent.
