The Arizona Cardinals faced a delay during the 2026 NFL Draft while selecting running back Jeremiyah Love as the third overall pick due to having the incorrect phone number for him. General Manager Monti Ossenfort revealed the mix-up caused a hiccup in their communication before finalizing the pick, despite minimal discussions about trading down. Love, a standout from Notre Dame, makes history as the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018, bringing significant expectations as he joins an already stacked backfield.

By the Numbers
  • Jeremiyah Love rushed for over 1,000 yards and recorded at least 19 touchdowns from scrimmage each of the last two seasons at Notre Dame.
  • Love is the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 overall in 2018.
State of Play
  • Arizona selected Love, reinforcing their commitment to adding impact players despite a challenging previous season (3-14).
  • The running back room now includes James Conner, Trey Benson, and Tyler Allgeier, creating competition for playing time.
What's Next

The Cardinals will focus on integrating Love into their offense as they prepare for the upcoming season, hoping to leverage his versatility effectively. Team dynamics will be crucial, as the established running backs will need to make space for Love’s unique skills.

Bottom Line

The Cardinals took a strategic risk by drafting Love high in the first round, signaling their pursuit of a game-changing player. As they navigate roster competition, the emphasis will be on maximizing Love's potential to impact their overall performance in the coming season.