The Arizona Cardinals' decision to select running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is facing immediate scrutiny, as the team's offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, suggested the rookie may not be the Week 1 starter. Love, considered the top running back in his draft class out of Notre Dame, where he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, faces stiff competition from veteran James Conner.
Hackett expressed his enthusiasm for the running back room, stating, "I’m really excited about it. Excited for James [Conner] to get out there and show what he’s got. I mean, all the guys." When pressed about Love specifically, Hackett's assessment was direct: "I mean, he’s definitely a rookie."
This stance from the coaching staff could be a strategic move by Hackett to keep opponents guessing or to foster a more competitive environment within the team. The Cardinals drafted Love highly despite significant needs in other areas, such as the offensive line and pass rush.
Conner, who has been with the Cardinals since 2021, has a history of injuries, missing most of the previous season with a foot injury. In his five seasons with the team, he has accumulated 3,763 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. Conner recently restructured his contract to remain with Arizona and create salary cap flexibility.
In addition to Conner and Love, the Cardinals also signed free agent Tyler Allgeier, who played for the Atlanta Falcons last season, further intensifying the competition for the starting running back position.
