The Arizona Cardinals landed Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And while the pick may have been a surprise to some, it seems that inside the Cardinals building it was a foregone conclusion.
There was some debate as to how the Cardinals would handle the pick. Whether it be Love, Arvell Reese, or a trade-down. But it appears that Arizona had their heart set on Love all along.
After hearing his name called, Love caught up with Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS Sports and revealed that receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the first teammate to reach out. But what’s most surprising, is that Harrison actually texted Love BEFORE the pick was sent in.
“He told me the guys are excited to have me–he texted me this right before I got drafted to the Cardinals, so he probably already knew.”
Love followed up by saying he had a feeling he was shipping off to Arizona already.
“He didn’t ruin it for me, I kinda had an inkling that was going there anyway.”
The Cardinals Are All-In on Jeremiyah Love After Snagging Him at No. 3
The Cardinals added arguably the best player in the draft in Love. After racking up over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, Love brings homerun potential to the Arizona offense. The former Notre Dame star was widely regarded as a can’t-miss prospect, despite being at a position the Cardinals were already well-stocked.
Love now joins a room that includes James Conner, newly signed free-agent Tyler Allgeier, and others to make one of the deepest running back stables in the league. But the addition of Love comes at a cost. The Cardinals still have needs at quarterback, offensive line and edge, and will now look to replenish those positions with their Day 2 and 3 selections.
Mel Kiper Jr. Loves the Love Pick
Despite not playing a premium position, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. listed Love as one of his best picks of the night.
“We started hearing some buzz that Arizona might go this way earlier this week,” wrote Kiper. “And I know, I’m not supposed to like a running back in the top five. This isn’t a running back. Love is so much more than that — he’s a true all-purpose offensive playmaker who is going to change this offense. He was No. 2 on my board behind Mendoza.
“The Cardinals didn’t really have an identity on that side of the ball; that unit was pretty bland. But coach Mike LaFleur is going to line up Love in the backfield and let him break home runs with his 4.36 speed. He’s going to get Love in the slot and also out wide as a dynamic pass catcher. No pun intended, but I love this fit, even with James Conner and Tyler Allgeier in that RB room. This 20-year-old is going to energize the fan base.”
With Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson, and now Love, the Cardinals offense will have some weapons to work with. Now about that offense line…
Jeremiyah Love Reveals a Teammate May Have Leaked the Cardinals Pick Early