Is Jeremiyah Love set up for a historic rookie season for the Arizona Cardinals? With new head coach Matt LaFleur introducing a wide-zone scheme that starts with the run game, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will have an opportunity to be a factor in the offense in more ways than one. His ability as a receiver might be what leads to a memorable first year in the NFL.
Although running back wasn’t the top need for the Cardinals in the draft, the selection of Love was understandable given that he is a playmaker who can impact the game as a dual-threat option.
As a runner, Love is a thoroughbred with the rock in his hand. His elite combination of speed, physicality and power made him a prime offensive weapon in the Notre Dame offense. As a three-down playmaker, Love does have the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield which is an aspect of his game LaFleur loves and seems excited to utilize within the offense he is introducing in Arizona.
Why Matt LaFleur's offense is perfect for Jeremiyah Love
Here is what LaFleur said about Love on draft night:
"Jeremiyah Love is a complete package because of his abilities in the run game, the pass game, and protection. He possesses the ability to contribute in all three phases... Love doesn't have a weakness in any of these phases, allowing him to be utilized in various situations."
In LaFleur's wide-zone offense, which relies heavily on play-action concepts, Love's versatility will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch. The explosiveness is there, but what will set him apart and make him special in Year 1 is what he does out of the backfield no matter who is behind center. Whether it is Jacoby Brissett or fellow rookie Carson Beck who he has already formulated early chemistry with, Love will be an option in the passing game which which sets the stage for a bold rookie prediction.
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Jeremiyah Love could join rare company among rookie running backs
With veteran running back James Conner also in the backfield, Love will share reps rushing the ball. As Notre Dame fans know, he did that in sharing the rock with Jadarian Price. Where Love will excel is catching passes out of the backfield. With 63 receptions for 594 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns during his time at Notre Dame, the ability is obviously there, but was he utilized in that area as much as he could have?
In averaging 9.6 yards per catch, Love could’ve been utilized a bit more in that area given his effectiveness. In Arizona, expect LaFleur to make him more of an option in the passing game that will lead to a top 10 season historically when it comes to reception yards from rookie running backs.
Here’s a look below at the top 10:
Rank | Player | Year | Team | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Terry Kirby | 1993 | Miami Dolphins | 874 |
2 | Herschel Walker | 1896 | Dallas Cowboys | 837 |
3 | Alvin Kamara | 2017 | New Orleans Saints | 826 |
4 | Charley Taylor | 1964 | Washington | 814 |
5 | Roger Craig | 1983 | San Francisco 49ers | 758 |
6 | Saquon Barkley | 2018 | New York Giants | 721 |
7 | Matt Forte | 2008 | Chicago Bears | 665 |
8 | Billy Sims | 1980 | Detroit Lions | 621 |
9 | Marshall Faulk | 1994 | Indianapolis Colts | 522 |
10 | Najee Harris | 2021 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 467 |
Where will Love land on this list? NFL Mocks’ bold prediction of Love is that he will have over 600 yards catching the ball which will land him ahead of Marshall Faulk, but just below Billy Sims who had 621 receiving yards in his rookie season with the Detroit Lions.
Why not higher?
The quarterback position will be a question mark all season long for the Cardinals which may lead the team to depend on Love more as a rusher. Also, with tight end Trey McBride and third-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. looking to breakout, there will be emphasis on getting those two playmakers the ball, which will take the pressure off Love. It will also open him up for a dump down passes underneath and some screen plays to get him out in space and really utilize his explosiveness in the open field.
In all, it will be a fascinating rookie season for Love and one that should etch his name in history, setting him up as a future dual-threat star from the running back position who could be as impactful as Christian McCaffrey in the long term as far as impact within the offense.
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