Perhaps many believed that Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love would be gone by the time the Arizona Cardinals were on the clock at No. 3 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Well, after being selected by the Cardinals, who averaged just 93.1 rushing yards per game last season, general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFluer made a calculated decision to select Love.

Needless to say, the Cardinals are in rebuilding mode, and what Love affords the franchise is youth, superstar talent, and the renown of having played at NCAA CFB Championship level, experiences that should translate over well at the NFL level. LaFleur is a new face around the franchise and the team needs to rely on talent and not trigonometry to tally up some wins in 2026. LaFluer can't fix things overnight and with a huge question mark as to who will be the starter at the quarterback position, the franchise will be wise to simplify the offense and become run-first.

Love averaged nine yards per reception during his time in the NCAA as well collecting a total of 2,882 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. With quarterback Jacoby Brissett under center, Love can and will operate as another receiving option when things turn mucky for the Cardinals' offense. Ultimately, with a restructured offensive line and a need to regroup, selecting arguably the most talented player in the 2026 NFL Draft when a feasible quarterback option wasn't available just seemed to make sense. Love should be present for rookie minicamp May 8 in Tempe.

A new chapter begins @JeremiyahLove | #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/eyQocBCleL

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL Draft 2026: Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love will do well in the desert