The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a new vision under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur. As an offensive-minded leader, LaFleur faced immediate questions regarding his strategy for rebuilding the roster and which players would serve as the team's foundation. While many analysts expected the team to prioritize the offensive line, the front office ultimately made a polarizing decision by selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick.
Now sitting at a 2-5 record nearly halfway through the regular season, the organization faces scrutiny over whether a running back was the right choice at such a high draft position. The debate centers not just on the talent of Jeremiyah Love, but on the concept of opportunity cost in a league where premier positions like offensive tackle and wide receiver often command higher priority.
The Performance of Jeremiyah Love in Year One
Through the first seven weeks of the season, Jeremiyah Love has appeared in five games. His rookie campaign has been interrupted by a high ankle sprain, which has forced the young back to miss significant time. When healthy, Love has been on the field for 34.4% of the team’s offensive snaps.
During his time on the gridiron, the Notre Dame product has produced the following statistics:
* Carries: 67
* Rushing Yards: 245
* Average Per Carry: 3.7 yards
* Rushing Touchdowns: 1
* Receptions: 11
* Receiving Yards: 36
* Receiving Touchdowns: 1
Standing 6-feet tall and weighing 212 pounds, Love is characterized as an upright runner who demonstrates patience behind his blockers. While he possesses the vision and skill set to operate as a three-down back, certain metrics have raised red flags. According to TruMedia, Love currently ranks last among running backs with at least 50 carries in tackle avoidance rate, successfully evading defenders just 6.0% of the time.
The Financial and Strategic Cost of the No. 3 Pick
The decision to draft a running back in the top three carries significant financial implications. The contract for Jeremiyah Love currently ranks as the fourth-highest in total value among all NFL running backs and includes the largest guarantee at the position.
Critics of the pick point to the players Arizona bypassed to secure Love. Wide receiver Carnell Tate, who was selected immediately after Love at No. 4, signed a deal that ranks 10th in value among wideouts and is only the second-highest on his own team. Other prospects available at the time included top-rated offensive tackle Spencer Fano and Arvell Reese. Selecting a tackle or a receiver could have arguably provided more on-field impact and better contract value for a rebuilding franchise.
In the absence of Love during his injury stint, free agent signing Tyler Allgeier has shouldered a significant portion of the backfield workload. This has further fueled the conversation about whether the Arizona Cardinals could have addressed other roster holes while relying on veteran talent at running back.
Comparing the Cardinals to Recent Draft Trends
The situation in Arizona draws comparisons to the Las Vegas Raiders' selection of Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall in 2025. Despite Jeanty's talent, the Raiders saw their record decline the following season, illustrating the difficulty of building a winning team around a high-drafted running back without a solid foundation.
Some analysts argue that a premier runner is a luxury rather than a necessity for a struggling team. As the saying goes, "A running back should be the whipped cream or cherry (depending upon one's personal preference) on top for an offense." For a high-drafted runner to truly thrive, the offensive line must be established, and the quarterback must be a deep-threat capable of keeping defenses out of the box.
Long-Term Outlook for the Arizona Backfield
Despite the current 2-5 record and the "luxury pick" labels, there is optimism regarding Love's future. He has been compared to a more patient version of Travis Etienne, and his ability to pass protect—showing strength in the pocket against oncoming rushers—suggests he can be a long-term contributor. However, his ceiling may remain limited until the Arizona Cardinals successfully bolster their offensive line.
Interestingly, the NFL's stance on running backs has begun to shift. Teams are showing more willingness to offer extensions beyond rookie contracts, and players are maintaining productivity into their late 20s and early 30s. As the league sees a resurgence in the importance of the run game, the value of a player like Jeremiyah Love could appreciate over time, provided the team around him improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Jeremiyah Love performed for the Cardinals so far?
In five games, Love has recorded 245 rushing yards on 67 carries and one rushing touchdown. He has also contributed in the passing game with 11 catches for 36 yards and a score.
What is the current injury status for Jeremiyah Love?
Love has missed playing time during the first seven weeks of the season due to a high ankle sprain.
Why is the selection of Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 considered controversial?
Critics point to the high opportunity cost, noting that the Cardinals passed on high-value positions like offensive tackle Spencer Fano and receiver Carnell Tate to draft a running back, which is often viewed as a luxury position.