Rookie Running Backs and the Arizona Dilemma
The Arizona Cardinals made a splash when they selected Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the excitement may be premature.
Depth charts released after the first round of preseason practices list Love behind Tyler Allgeier, indicating that the coaching staff still views the veteran as the primary option.
Rookie running backs historically struggle to translate college production into NFL workload, and the Cardinals’ backfield is already crowded with experienced backs.
James Conner, who has been a workhorse for the team, and Trey Benson, a promising second‑year player, are both projected to receive the bulk of carries early in the season.
Fantasy football analysts caution that drafting Love in the first few rounds carries a high risk, especially when the Hall of Fame game — traditionally a showcase for newcomers — will not feature him.
Instead, managers are advised to monitor his development in Year 2 or consider him in keeper formats where a late‑round flier could pay off if he eventually earns a starting role.
The broader lesson is that even top draft picks can be buried on the depth chart, and patience is often the best strategy for rookie RBs.