The Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at pick No. 3 for one reason, and one only: to hit the ground running immediately and galvanize an offense that looks to build off of a strong finish in 2025.
Jacoby Brissett's aggressive reads helped pass catchers such as Trey McBride and Michael Wilson build off strong campaigns from a year prior. Wilson in particular took a massive leap, recording 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time in his career.
As for the ground game, it was lacking in 2025. James Conner, Trey Benson, and Bam Knight all saw themselves go down with season-ending injuries, and it just proved to be a massive weakness. Change was needed, and it came in the form of Jeremiyah Love.
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Love, 21, is coming off his junior year at Notre Dame, where he ran for 1,372 yards on 199 carries, resulting in 18 rushing touchdowns. Love also found the end zone three times through the air, bringing his touchdown total to 21. A season to remember, as Love placed third in heisman voting, and earned himself an All-American selection. He single-handedly kept the Fighting Irish offense in the game.
Now, Love finds himself joining a Cardinals running back room that features a now healthy James Conner.
Will Mike LaFleur throw Love into the mix immediately? Or will he ease him in as time goes by?
This will be a big question that needs an answer by training camp. It will be interesting to see what LaFleur’s vision is.
