In a recent ESPN mock, Matt Miller sticks with Arvell Reese as the likely selection at No. 3 but cautions that the Cardinals are difficult to predict and could pivot. He notes it wouldn’t be shocking to see Love or Francis Mauigoa chosen instead, though his chalk pick remains Reese to bolster a defense that allowed 28.7 points per game last season.
Adding to the intrigue, the draft buzz around Love may be a calculated bluff, according to analyst Jeremy Fowler. He suggests Arizona could be using the Love storyline to drum up trade interest, with the reality that edge rusher and offensive line help are clear needs for the team.
Reese is viewed by some evaluators as the second-best edge rusher in the class, while Love is considered by others to be the top overall prospect. The discussion has extended to potential trading partners, with teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints mentioned as possible fits in trades tied to the No. 3 pick.
A notable mock from NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah places the Saints moving up, acquiring a 2027 first-round pick to grab Reese, with Arizona then selecting Francis Mauigoa at No. 8. That scenario underscores how quickly the board could shift based on movement around the top of the first round.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer adds that the Love buzz has genuine traction, citing the Cardinals’ new coaching staff as a factor in their apparent fondness for Love. If Love lands in Arizona, it would further crowd a backfield that already includes Tyler Allgeier, highlighting how the team is weighing multiple paths at the top of the draft.
