The Arizona Cardinals entered the 2026 NFL Draft as key players in the first round. With the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets making the first two selections, all eyes turned to Arizona at No. 3. Lacking a franchise quarterback and without a clear signal-caller worth the third overall pick, rumors began circulating that the Cardinals would aggressively trade back to gain additional draft capital for 2027. Despite the buzz surrounding a potential trade down, Jeremiyah Love remained a strong candidate due to his game-changing talent and off-field factors that aligned with the organization’s current direction.
The speculation ended when the Cardinals decided to stay in their position and secure their offensive centerpiece.
As reported by Jordan Schultz on X, “the No. 3 pick is in,” and the Arizona Cardinals selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Schultz confirmed that while the front office explored moving down “in a major way,” they ultimately prioritized acquiring the “uber-talented runner” over gaining additional picks.
No. 3 pick is in: #Cardinals have selected Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, per sources. pic.twitter.com/X8P35jgEp8
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2026
This decision signifies a commitment to immediate offensive improvement, providing a versatile weapon to lead Arizona’s ground game into a new era.
Arizona’s choice has immediate implications for the Tennessee Titans, who held the fourth overall pick.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports previously noted that Titans GM Mike Borgonzi was increasingly confident in selecting Love to ease the burden on young quarterback Cam Ward.
While many believed head coach Robert Saleh would prefer a defensive prospect, the allure of Love’s ability to change the dynamic of a game was undeniable in Tennessee’s war room.
With Love now off the board, the Titans may need to shift their focus back to a defender like Sonny Styles, as the elite offensive options in the draft continue to dwindle.
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