What happened
The Arizona Cardinals chose Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Love, a dynamic playmaker, was widely projected as a top-five selection after a stellar senior season. The pick caps a long wait for Cardinals fans amid the team's rebuild.
Why it matters
Love fills a critical void at running back for Arizona, which ranked 27th in rushing yards last season and finished 5-12. His explosive speed and receiving skills could transform the offense under new coordinator. Draft futures markets shifted, with Cardinals win total climbing from 6.5 to 7.5 overnight.
The data edge
Love 2025 stats: 1,482 rush yds, 18 TDs, 5.9 YPC, 42 rec/512 yds. Cardinals 2025 record: 5-12 (3rd in NFC West). Pre-draft odds: Love top-3 +220 (hit); Cardinals playoff +800 now +650. Head-to-head vs top defenses: 6.2 YPC avg.
What to watch
Watch Love's introductory press conference Friday and how it affects Cardinals' Day 2 picks. Monitor trade rumors for QB help.