The Arizona Cardinals entered the offseason in full reset mode. They fired head coach Jonathan Gannon after a 3-14 campaign and released franchise quarterback Kyler Murray.
Now under the direction of first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, the organization holds the third overall pick in next week’s draft and faces a critical decision about how to rebuild a roster that ranked among the league’s worst on both sides of the ball. Many believe the Cardinals could select either Arvell Reese or David Bailey, but the team is open to making bold decisions.
Why Jeremiyah Love Is Still in Play for the Cardinals
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is considered by many analysts as arguably the best player in this year’s draft. The Cardinals will have a chance to draft him, and the team has not closed the door on that possibility.
In a recent press conference, LaFleur was asked whether the team would be open to drafting a running back with the third overall pick. He emphasized that the team will prioritize talent and fit over positional considerations when they are on the clock during the draft.
“I like what you’re alluding to right there. I know I’m going to give you the political answer, but it’s the truth,” LaFleur said. “You just want to draft the best football player that’s going to fit your team and what you’re looking for, regardless of the position.”
“Yeah, there are always going to be the ones that you’re going to talk about the premium positions and all that, but what’s been cool about the way I know he’s (Ossenfort) approached it and seen it from afar is do these guys love the game?” LaFleur added. “Are they smart football players, and are they tough? If that position’s a punter and that’s going to help us out, then let’s roll. Hopefully, we don’t have to use them except for holding.”
Love finished his college career with 2,882 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He also recorded 63 receptions for 594 yards and 6 touchdowns in 41 games across three years. In 2025, he won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back.
According to PFSN’s CFB RB Impact Metric, the Notre Dame star had an impact score of 92.4, ranking fourth-best at his position.
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At 6-foot and 212 pounds with 4.36 speed, he represents the type of explosive offensive weapon that fits LaFleur’s scheme, which is rooted in play-action and a strong running game. However, drafting him might not be the best decision for the franchise.
The Cardinals are widely expected to explore trading down from the third overall pick rather than selecting Love or any other player at that spot. Multiple reports indicate Arizona has received significant interest from teams looking to move up, with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as a likely trade partner, as either Reese or Bailey will be available at that spot.
Dallas could package the 12th and 20th overall picks in this year’s draft to acquire the Cardinals’ pick, and it would be a huge boost for Arizona.
The NFC West franchise has a lot of holes on its roster, and adding two players in the first round could serve it better than drafting a running back.
