Some analysts believe Love could land as high as No. 3 overall, with the Arizona Cardinals potentially sizing up the move or another team willing to make a bold pick. His surge in 2025 at Notre Dame helped fuel that level of optimism around his draft stock.
Love’s accolades are substantial: a First-Team Associated Press All-American, the Doak Walker Award winner, and a finalist for the Heisman, Walter Camp, and Maxwell awards. He also posted elite numbers, ranking fourth nationally with 6.9 yards per carry and 137.7 scrimmage yards per game, totaling 1,372 rushing yards on 199 attempts and 18 rushing touchdowns.
Not everyone shares the top-five buzz, however. ESPN’s Jordan Rodgers argued against selecting Love at No. 3, citing the financial impact of a large guaranteed deal. He praised Love as a talented prospect but said he is not a generational back, implying the money and roster-building considerations complicate a No. 3 selection.
Rodgers also pointed to Love’s resume against elite competition, noting performances that tempered some of the high-end projections. He cited a bowl-game showing that didn’t meet expectations and a limited impact in an early-2025 clash with Ohio State, arguing those tests are relevant for teams drafting high.
Still, Love remains a viable three-down back with a blend of size and speed, capable of delivering explosive runs and contributing in the passing game. The broader question as the draft nears is whether teams prioritize premium positional value or the potential impact of a top-tier running back.
As the draft hours wind down, NFL teams will weigh Love’s proven production against the financial and strategic considerations of drafting a back at the top of the order. The final decision will reflect how each organization values a premier runner in building a competitive, long-term roster.
