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Jeremiyah Love draft pick for Cardinals at 3rd overall is a problem for one RB positional value reason
TL;DR
Jeremiyah Love was selected 3rd overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his position as a running back raises concerns about his value in the modern NFL.
Key points
- Jeremiyah Love was drafted 3rd overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
- The modern NFL devalues running backs significantly.
- High draft picks for running backs are often seen as risky.
Jeremiyah LoveArizona CardinalsLas Vegas Raiders2026 NFL Draft
Jeremiyah Love draft pick for Cardinals at 3rd overall is a problem for one RB positional value reason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jeremiyah Love was one of the best couple players available in the 2026 NFL Draft. That's not the problem.
The problem is that the superstar from Notre Dame, who was chosen No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals,plays running back.
The modern NFL doesn't value RBs the way it used to. They don't get big contracts in free agency. They are often discarded and regarded as replaceable.
That doesn't stop transcendent talents from being taken early. Ashton Jeanty went No. 6 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders just last year.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
It's tricky, though. All year long, the NFL acts as if running backs don't have value. And then when the draft rolls around, a team targets one like Love in the top-five.
Offenses have moved away from running the ball, although at least Love doesn't have a problem there -- he's fantastic in the passing game, too.
A different way to think about it is this: If there was no draft and every player coming out of college was available as a free agent, how much would Love be paid? And where would that rank among the class?
Q&A
Why is Jeremiyah Love's draft pick a concern for the Cardinals?
The concern stems from the modern NFL's devaluation of running backs, making high draft picks for this position risky.
What does the selection of a running back at No. 3 overall signify for the NFL?
It signifies a potential misalignment with current trends, as running backs are often viewed as replaceable and less valuable in terms of contracts.
Who were some other high draft picks for running backs in recent years?
Ashton Jeanty was selected 6th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders just last year, highlighting that elite running backs can still be drafted early despite the positional concerns.
