The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to select running back Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the NFL Draft generated immediate debate across the football world. Many analysts questioned whether the franchise should have addressed another position, particularly quarterback, instead of investing such a high selection in a running back.
Despite the outside criticism, Love has already made a positive impression within the Cardinals’ locker room. The former Notre Dame standout has participated in offseason practices and has quickly earned the respect of teammates who have had an opportunity to work alongside him before training camp officially begins.
Among Love’s biggest supporters is veteran tight end Trey McBride, who recently spoke enthusiastically about the rookie during an appearance on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast. McBride did not hide his excitement, using emphatic language to describe the skills Love has displayed during their early practices together.
While expectations remain high for the rookie, Arizona hopes Love can provide an immediate boost to an offense that struggled to establish a consistent ground game last season. His early reviews from teammates suggest the organization believes it found a player capable of becoming a centerpiece of the offense.
1. McBride Impressed by Love’s Early Performance
McBride offered an enthusiastic assessment of Love after spending limited time with him during offseason workouts. Although the two have only shared a handful of practices, the veteran tight end said the rookie has already demonstrated why Arizona invested such a valuable draft selection in him.
Speaking during his podcast appearance, McBride praised Love’s overall athleticism, highlighting his route-running ability and his knack for making plays with the football. The veteran said those traits have stood out immediately and have reinforced the excitement surrounding the rookie’s arrival.
McBride also expressed confidence that Love will become an important contributor once the regular season begins. His comments reflected optimism that the rookie can transition smoothly to the NFL and make an impact early in his professional career.
The praise carries additional weight because McBride has established himself as one of Arizona’s offensive leaders. As one of the team’s most productive pass catchers and respected veterans, his endorsement signals that Love has already earned the trust of players inside the locker room.
2. Cardinals Defend a Bold Draft Decision
Arizona’s selection of Love surprised many draft analysts. While few questioned his talent after an outstanding college career at Notre Dame, some believed choosing a running back third overall represented a significant gamble given the team’s other roster needs.
Much of the pre-draft discussion centered on Arizona potentially selecting a quarterback. Alabama’s Ty Simpson was frequently mentioned as one of the top available options, leading many observers to expect the Cardinals to strengthen the position with such an early selection.
Instead, new head coach Mike LaFleur and general manager Monti Ossenfort committed to adding one of college football’s premier offensive playmakers. Love entered the draft after developing a reputation as one of the nation’s most explosive running backs and finishing his collegiate career as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Although early draft grades offered mixed reviews of Arizona’s decision, the organization has remained confident in its evaluation. Team officials appear convinced that Love possesses the talent to justify his draft position and become a foundational piece of the franchise’s future.
3. Arizona Looks to Revive Its Running Game
One of the biggest reasons behind Arizona’s decision was the need to improve a rushing attack that struggled throughout the 2025 season. The Cardinals finished near the bottom of the league in rushing production, and no player on the roster reached 334 rushing yards during the campaign.
Adding Love gives the offense a dynamic option capable of changing that trend. His combination of speed, vision, receiving ability, and open-field explosiveness provides Arizona with another weapon as it looks to become more balanced offensively.
McBride is expected to play a significant role in that effort as well. Known for his physical blocking in addition to his receiving skills, the veteran tight end could help create opportunities for Love while continuing to serve as one of the offense’s most dependable targets in the passing game.
With training camp approaching, optimism is growing inside the Cardinals’ organization. While outside observers continue to debate whether Love was worth the third overall selection, his early performances and the strong support from teammates suggest Arizona believes it has found a player capable of transforming its offense for years to come.