It’s a new era for the Arizona Cardinals, and the 2026 NFL Draft might set the foundation for what the franchise will become under new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Arizona faces some major questions at quarterback, and replacing some standout contributors who departed on defense, via free agency, but the chief goal for the organization has to be improving the talent overall across the roster, perhaps even on offense alongside former top prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. at wide receiver.
NFL Draft 2026: Could the Arizona Cardinals select RB Jeremiyah Love?
NFL Draft, Jeremiyah Love
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Slated to select No. 3 overall in next month’s NFL Draft, the Cardinals are out of reach of quarterback Fernando Mendoza but could add a game-changing talent to the roster.
In NFL Media analyst Charles Davis’ latest mock draft projection, the Cardinals make a stunning selection, choosing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
“The Cardinals have many needs,” Davis writes for NFL Media. “But adding arguably the best player in the draft is a terrific starting point.”
The Cardinals, unquestionably, have myriad needs across the roster, and as Davis points out, Love is widely viewed as the premier prospect in this year’s class.
However, selecting a running back should probably be the finishing touch to a roster on the cusp of contending rather than a starting point for an organization beginning a complete reset and rebuild.
Love has to be tantalizing for LaFleur, as he envisions installing his offensive scheme, but the Cardinals could see far more value in selecting the top pass rusher or offensive tackle available on the board when they go on the clock rather than choosing Love, a luxury they don’t have the talent to be able to afford at this point.
Tennessee Titans Jeremiyah Love
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (RB11) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images