Andrew Buller-Russ
The 2026 NFL Draft is exactly a week away, and the picture is starting to come into focus ahead of the Arizona Cardinals‘ first-round pick. Expectations are that the Las Vegas Raiders will take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The New York Jets will select a pass-rusher, likely either Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Ohio State’s freak linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese.
But what about the Cardinals at No. 3? That remains the biggest mystery. While NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that a trade down is “very much in play” for Arizona, others suggest the Cardinals have a surprise selection in mind.
Recently, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that we “shouldn’t be surprised” if the Cardinals select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the first round.
“This selection came after running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) and linebacker Sonny Styles (Ohio State) went to the Cardinals and Titans, respectively. There’s significant buzz in league circles, per sources, that the draft could unfold exactly that way. The Cardinals could opt for whichever pass rusher the Jets pass on at No. 2, but don’t be surprised if they select Love. There’s a lot of smoke there. “
SNY’s Connor Hughes on Cardinals/Jeremiyah Love
The Cardinals selecting Love would come as a shock after they brought back James Conner and signed Tyler Allgeier to a $12.5 million contract this offseason. Of course, Love has a higher ceiling than both of them, but Arizona also has other, more pressing needs such as offensive tackle or even pass-rusher.
Yet, if the Cardinals are sticking to the best player available mantra, then it’s hard to argue against the selection of Love. Many regard him as the best overall player in the draft class, and Arizona could use an injection of talent, on either side of the ball.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Take Over First Round of NFL Draft
