Jeremiyah Love and the Arizona Cardinals ultimately found their way to each other on draft night, but the rookie running back recently revealed that he expected a different outcome as the selection process unfolded. Before hearing his name called by Arizona, Love believed there was a strong possibility he would begin his NFL career with either the Tennessee Titans or the New York Giants.
The uncertainty surrounding the NFL Draft is one of the most fascinating aspects of the league’s offseason. Prospects spend months meeting with teams, participating in workouts and trying to interpret signals from front offices, yet the final outcome often remains unpredictable. Love experienced that reality firsthand as he entered draft night with expectations that pointed toward destinations other than Arizona.
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
The Titans and Giants were both widely connected to offensive playmakers throughout the pre-draft process, making Love’s assumptions understandable. His combination of speed, explosiveness and versatility made him one of the most coveted offensive prospects available. Teams searching for a dynamic weapon capable of impacting both the running and passing game naturally viewed him as an attractive option.
Instead, the Cardinals made the move that altered the course of his professional career. Arizona identified Love as a player capable of helping accelerate the organization’s development and adding another dimension to the offense. The selection provided the franchise with a young talent who possesses the skill set to contribute immediately while also serving as a long-term building block.
Arizona Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love Names 2 Teams He Thought Were Going Select Him in 2026 NFL Draft
Apr 24, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pick Jeremiyah Love poses with his jersey and his parents during a press conference at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Love named the two teams he thought was going to select him during the NFL Draft earlier this year. This is detailed more in an exclusive interview by DJ Siddiqi for Ratings.
“Before then, I thought I was probably going to the Titans or the Giants, which would have been a blessing as well,” said Love.
For Love, the unexpected destination quickly became an opportunity to embrace a new challenge. The rookie has already expressed excitement about joining the Cardinals and becoming part of the team’s future plans. His competitive approach and determination to make an immediate impact have generated optimism that he can become an important contributor as Arizona continues building its roster.
Looking back, draft projections and expectations are often forgotten once players arrive at their new teams. What matters most is the opportunity that follows. While Love may have anticipated hearing his name associated with Tennessee or New York, he now finds himself in Arizona with a chance to establish his career and help shape the future of the Cardinals. If his early confidence translates into production, the unexpected turn on draft night could prove beneficial for both player and franchise.