​With the third overall pick this year, the Cardinals aimed to take a bold swing to reclaim a top spot in the rugged NFC West. And they did just that, selecting Notre Dame Heisman finalist Jerimiyah Love, stunning fans and NFL observers alike. Now Love has the chance to become the latest breakout running back to rise in Arizona. Many within the league already see him as the team’s potential superstar for years to come. Add in new head coach Mike LaFleur, and the Cardinals appear poised to craft one of the league’s most formidable offenses. The organization is constructing a fresh identity, and beginning with Love seems a perfect first step.
The rookie back has also made headlines on the contract front. Love officially signed his rookie deal, a contract that sets new benchmarks for running backs league-wide. He and the Cardinals may have reset the entire NFL backfield market. Love dominated at Notre Dame, and he could bring a similar level of impact to Arizona this season. That said, the Cardinals aren’t devoid of competition at the position. Veteran James Conner remains on the roster, though he’s returning from a serious leg injury. The club also added former Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier to the mix. Even with these teammates, Love is clearly the lead dog. He showed last year that he could carve out a major role even in a crowded backfield, sharing touches with fellow first-round pick Jadarian Price.
LaFleur should be adept at maximizing Love’s talents through his schemes and play-calling. He hails from a prestigious coaching tree, having learned under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco and Sean McVay in Los Angeles. He served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025, where although not the primary playcaller, he played a significant part in McVay’s West Coast system. His efforts helped breakout performances from players like Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and quarterback Matthew Stafford. Now LaFleur has the chance to apply a similar approach to help Love flourish. Love won’t be confined to ground work alone; he’ll be a factor in the passing game as well, with screens and varied pass concepts that suit his speed and agility.
Love enters a new generation of exceptionally talented backs, alongside players such as Ashton Jeanty, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Bijan Robinson. In three seasons with the Fighting Irish, Love amassed 2,882 rushing yards and 42 total touchdowns. He was especially dominant during his sophomore and junior seasons, showcasing notable strength and a very high football IQ. Some observers have compared his game to Saquon Barkley’s, a high compliment that underscores the potential ceiling for Love’s career.
Arizona’s recent investment in the offensive line further heightens the expectation for a productive season. Love has already shown a strong work ethic and a determination to maximize his abilities, and with the offensive line improvements, the stage is set for him to contribute at a high level. As the season approaches, the matchup between Love’s dynamic skill set and LaFleur’s offensive design will be one of the most closely watched stories in the Cardinals’ campaign.