USA Today NFL writer Ayrton Ostly mocked the Arizona Cardinals to take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ostly mocks Love at No. 8 as the first running back taken in the first round.
Love has been one of the best running backs in college football this season, rushing for 1,372 yards (4th in the nation) and 18 touchdowns (3rd), while catching 27 passes for 280 yards and three scores. Through 41 games in his college career, the junior running back has rushed for 2,882 yards and scored 42 total touchdowns.
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While the Cardinals could go several different directions in the first round, including quarterback and offensive tackle, running back could be an option for Arizona as the running back room has been hit hard by injuries in 2025.
Veteran James Conner suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, while second-year halfback Trey Benson has been out since Week 4 due to a knee injury. Emari Demarcado has also missed the last two games due to an ankle issue.
Bam Knight has been the Cardinals leading halfback this season with 255 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 10 games played.
Ostly said Love could give the Cardinals a legitimate RB1 and a potential receiving threat out of the backfield if the team moves on from Conner. Conner has one year remaining on a two-year contract extension he signed toward the end of last season.
Love is the ideal modern running back and would be a seamless transition away from James Conner if the team wants to move on. Arizona went all-out on defense in the 2025 NFL Draft and would swing the other way with the home-run hitter and receiving threat Love.
As part of Ostly’s first round mock draft, he had Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson going to the New York Giants with the No. 2 pick. Ostly said he would be a good WR2 to pair 2024 first round pick Malik Nabers.
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