The Arizona Cardinals shocked the NFL by selecting a running back No. 3 overall. In spite of all that, the rusher in question might not even be the Week 1 starter.
Jeremiyah Love was the clear-cut top running back in the class of 2026 when the Notre Dame star was taken by Arizona.
But after a press conference from Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Love still has plenty to do to earn the starting job.
In Hackett’s eyes, Love is in direct competition with James Conner, the longtime Cardinals running back who missed all but three weeks of the season due to a foot injury.
Hackett told reporters that he was ‘excited for James to get out there and show what he’s got’ at training camp, before adding that he was excited to see ‘all the guys.’
But what about Love? Hackett responded, ‘I mean, he’s definitely a rookie.’
The Arizona Cardinals coaching staff appeared hesitant to name Jeremiyah Love their top RB
Cardinals OC Nathaniel Hackett noted his impression of Love is that he’s ‘definitely a rookie’
Love was drafted and viewed as a replacement for the often injured James Conner (above)
Putting Love on the bench would be a stunning and mind-splitting move from the Cardinals after choosing the rusher so high despite needing to fill other serious needs – such as on the offensive line or in their pass rush.
But Love was highly rated as the best offensive prospect in his draft class. With the Fighting Irish, Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns.
This could be Hackett’s attempt to try and keep his team’s plans a secret – or to give the impression that there’s greater competition than there really is.
Conner has been with the Cardinals since 2021, but battled multiple injuries in the five seasons since. He’s only rushed for 3,763 yards and 38 touchdowns in those five years.
He reworked the final year of his contract in order to stay with the team by saving cap space.
In addition to Conner and Love, the Cardinals signed free agent Tyler Allgeier – who spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons.
