The Cardinals selected RB Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. He's the first RB selected in the top five since Saquon Barkley in 2018. Love dominated as a two-year starter at Notre Dame, averaging 6.9 yards per carry over that span. He also led the FBS with 40 total TDs. The 212-pounder was the clear RB1 in this class. Among the 20 RBs invited to the NFL Combine, Love ranked fourth in 2025 rushing market share (55.9%) and first in yards after contact per attempt (4.5). He ranked second in 2025 in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.28) and third in receiving yards per route run (1.83).
The Cardinals return James Conner and Trey Benson and added Tyler Allgeier in free agency. But Love's top-five draft status makes him a heavy favorite for lead back work.
The biggest question here is the supporting cast. Arizona supplies one of the worst QB situations with Jacoby Brissett. This OL doesn't look like an asset either, after finishing 2025 with a 29th-ranked Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade. They at least bolstered the interior with the signing of veteran G Isaac Semualo.
Ultimately, Love pairs big-play ability with the potential to clear 300 touches. That alone gives him RB1 appeal for 2026.
The Cardinals need to find their long-term answer at QB. But Love enters a spot where he can handle workhorse touches for the foreseeable future. He also hits the league as a 21-year-old with pass-catching upside.
He's an easy fit inside the top-5 of our dynasty RB rankings.
Tyler Allgeier signed a two-year deal in free agency, but his touch outlook takes a huge hit with this news. The same is true for James Conner and Trey Benson, who have no ties to new HC Mike LaFleur.
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