Schrager: Jeremiyah Love a ‘wild card to watch’ for Cardinals’ No. 3 pick

The Arizona Cardinals could go a lot of different ways when it comes to utilizing the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

One of those routes includes taking Ohio State hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese, which ESPN’s Peter Schrager predicts in his “based on what he’s hearing” mock draft published on Tuesday.

Going the Reese route isn’t all that surprising, especially since he’s been one of the top three prospects linked to Arizona’s No. 3 pick in the Arizona Sports Mock Draft Tracker throughout the offseason.

What is surprising, though, is another option Schrager mentions in his explanation of mocking Reese to Arizona.

Reese fills a need in Arizona as a potentially elite pass rusher, and I’ve heard rave reviews on what he can bring off the field from coaches. With the changing of eras in Arizona, the Cards should be seeking out new cornerstone pieces like Reese this month. Speaking of which: One wild card to watch here is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

While Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Reese have been the most commonly linked prospects to Arizona at No. 3 overall, Love has found his way into the discussion here and there.

What was learned at the NFL owners meeting last week added more steam to a potential Love-Cardinals pairing this draft.

NFL insider Todd McShay on his podcast last week said there’s someone with some pull within the organization “pushing really hard” for the running back.

Love would bring another explosive weapon for the Mike LaFleur-led offense alongside wide receivers Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride.

The 2025 All-American is coming off back-to-back seasons of at least 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry in each.

He added another 517 yards and five scores on 55 catches across the past two seasons.

But for a Cardinals team in need of a serious upgrade on either side of the line, can Arizona really justify taking Love at No. 3?

The offensive line could take a major step forward with a prospect like Mauigoa anchoring the right side of the line for years to come.

Defensively, picking Bailey would give veteran Josh Sweat a legit running mate after being the only consistent pass-rushing option on the Cardinals roster last year.

Meanwhile, Arizona’s running backs room looks about rounded out following the addition of Tyler Allgeier to a position group that includes James Conner, Trey Benson and Bam Knight.

There’s no doubt Love would be an exciting pick for Arizona. The brain quickly goes to Bijan Robinson and the type of impact he’s had in Atlanta.

But for where the Cardinals are at roster-wise, upgrading the trenches remains the biggest priority.

Related

Jacoby Brissett 'looks the part' for Mike LaFleur's QB visionLaFleur: Kyler Murray split from Cardinals 'good for both parties'Cardinals host Texas Tech WR and NFL Draft prospect Reggie VirgilDavid Bailey and Arvell Reese had top 30 visits with Cardinals, per reportsQuestions about Carson Beck’s arm strength? OC Nathaniel Hackett doesn’t get itCardinals TE Trey McBride clears air about his ‘no fans in Arizona’ comment