As the beginning of the NFL Draft draws near, the Arizona Cardinals have a very difficult decision to make.
Situated at No. 3, Arizona has not only been rumored to be keen to trade its early second-round pick for a late first-rounder, but it has also reportedly shown an eagerness to trade back. The market for the third overall pick, however, has proven less-than-enticing so far.
With no trade official less than 12 hours before they’ll be on the clock, the Cardinals have intimated that if they can’t get a deal done, they are content with taking Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo confirmed this, saying Arizona “will be staring at Jeremiyah Love vs. a trade back” and called it a “fascinating pivot point” in the draft.
“Love would be guaranteed $50.5 million if taken at No. 3, far more than any other running back in the NFL,” Jones wrote. “Arizona also has a deep running back room led by Tyler Allgeier, who signed a two-year deal with $8 million in guarantees this offseason after splitting time — and saving his own mileage — with Bijan Robinson in Atlanta. The team also has James Conner returning after missing most of the season with a foot injury, former third-round pick Trey Benson and Bam Knight on a minimum deal.”
Jones wrote that despite the salary-cap machinations, taking Love would “send a jolt of energy through the fan base.”
“Love could go to Arizona if they are looking for ticket sales and that’s driven by ownership as a sexy pick,” an NFC executive told Jones.
Love tallied 1,652 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns in 12 games last season for the Irish, earning a third-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.
The NFL Draft begins today at 8 p.m. ET.
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