There are strong indications the Cardinals are weighing Love as a top option, alongside ongoing discussions about a potential trade-down. If they stay at No. 3, Love could be in play at the upper end of his projected range, though Arizona has also explored moving back to add picks.
Love would bring immediate juice to a backfield that already includes James Connor and Tyler Allgeier, and his 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last season highlight his home-run potential. Yet his selection would leave questions at quarterback unresolved.
The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with the 31st-ranked rushing attack, so Love would address a major area of need and could significantly elevate Arizona’s offense, even as quarterback uncertainty remains a concern.
If the team opts to trade down, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson would become a viable target, especially if additional picks are acquired. Simpson is viewed as the second-best quarterback in the class behind the projected top pick Fernando Mendoza, and he would contend with Arizona’s unsettled quarterback situation, which includes Brissett’s holdout and a transition under a new head coach.
Regardless of the path chosen, Arizona’s strategy at No. 3 could influence every subsequent selection in Round 1 and potentially land a cornerstone player for the franchise.
