The Arizona Cardinals are ushering in a new era at quarterback this season but there was no replacement waiting for them in the 2026 NFL Draft. So instead, Arizona pivoted and made maybe the first surprise pick at No. 3 with former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

Love is a difference-maker at running back and the type of back you just don't see come into the NFL every year. We have him graded higher than Ashton Jeanty from last year and graded almost identical to Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

In terms of Love's game, he's got a high football IQ, can beat defenses in multiple ways and plays with some much explosion. His game is built around long runs similar to Saquon Barkley when he was coming out of college but Love also offers tremendous value as a receiver out of the backfield.

The Cardinals can now turn their attention to building an offensive line in front of Love to make life easier on whoever starts at quarterback in Arizona.

This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Live 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Cardinals select RB Jeremiyah Love