The 2026 NFL Draft is exactly one week away, and the picture is starting to come into focus ahead of the Arizona Cardinals' first-round selection. Expectations are the Las Vegas Raiders will take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. The New York Jets will select a pass-rusher, possibly Texas Tech's David Bailey or Ohio State's freak linebacker/edge rusher Arvel Reese.
But what about the Cardinals at No. 3? This remains the biggest mystery. While NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that a trade down for Arizona is "very much in play", 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 Jeremiah Love with the third overall selection in the first round.
"This selection comes after running back Jeremiah Love (Notre Dame) and linebacker Sonny Styles (Ohio State) went to the Cardinals and Titans, respectively. According to sources, there is significant discussion in league circles that the draft could unfold exactly the same way. The Cardinals could select any of the pass rushers the Jets want 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/Jeremiah Love
The Cardinals' selection of Love came as a shock when they brought back James Conner and signed Tyler Allger to a $12.5 million contract this offseason. Of course, Love has a higher ceiling than either of these two, but Arizona also has other, more pressing needs such as an offensive tackle or even a pass-rusher.
Still, if the Cardinals are sticking to the best player available mantra, it's hard to argue against the selection of Love. Many consider him the best overall player in the draft class, and Arizona could inject talent on both sides of the ball.
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