NFL Insider Reveals 'Significant Buzz' Around Cardinals Drafting RB Jeremiyah Love

The Arizona Cardinals have a top-3 pick and could surprise by taking the star running back.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:50am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of red, blue, and gold colors creating a dynamic, multi-angled visual representation of the player's athleticism.A cubist interpretation of a star running back's explosive movements captures the dynamic potential of the top draft prospect.Phoenix Today

According to NFL insider Connor Hughes, there is 'significant buzz' around the Arizona Cardinals potentially selecting star running back Jeremiyah Love with the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love is considered one of the top talents in the class, but the Cardinals have several other pressing needs on the offensive and defensive lines. However, Love's ability to transform an offense may be too much for the Cardinals to pass up, especially with their current running back depth chart.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have one of the most talent-deprived rosters in the NFL, so their decision with the 3rd overall pick will be crucial in kickstarting their rebuilding efforts. Drafting a running back that high is an unconventional move, but Love's elite talent could provide a major boost to the Cardinals' offense if they decide to go that route.

The details

The Cardinals have several needs, including on the offensive and defensive lines. However, NFL insider Connor Hughes reported that there is 'significant buzz' around the team potentially selecting star running back Jeremiyah Love with the 3rd overall pick. Love is considered one of the top overall talents in the 2026 draft class after rushing for over 1,000 yards in both 2024 and 2025 seasons. The Cardinals do have some depth at running back with James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson, and Bam Knight, but Conner is aging and coming off an injury, while the others have yet to establish themselves as reliable starters. Drafting Love could provide an immediate boost to the Cardinals' offense and give them a dynamic playmaker to build around alongside other young talents like Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and Michael Wilson.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back prospect who is considered one of the top overall talents in the 2026 NFL Draft class after rushing for over 1,000 yards in both 2024 and 2025 seasons.

James Conner

The veteran running back for the Arizona Cardinals who recently agreed to a reworked contract for the 2026 season.

Tyler Allgeier

A running back the Cardinals brought in this offseason to add depth to their backfield.

Trey Benson

A running back currently on the Cardinals' roster who has shown flashes but not enough to solidify himself as a reliable starter.

Bam Knight

A running back currently on the Cardinals' roster who has shown flashes but not enough to solidify himself as a reliable starter.

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What they’re saying

“There is 'significant buzz' around the Cardinals and a surprising name- running back Jeremiyah Love.”

— Connor Hughes, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Cardinals will make their decision with the 3rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in late April 2026.

The takeaway

The Cardinals have a critical decision to make with the 3rd overall pick, as drafting a running back that high is unconventional but Jeremiyah Love's elite talent may be too much for them to pass up as they look to rebuild their talent-deprived roster.