The Football Debate Club recently broke down the contrasting trajectories of two Notre Dame backfield alumni who now sit at opposite ends of the NFL draft spectrum. Jeremiyah Love, selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals, and Jadarian Price, taken 32nd by the Seattle Seahawks, embody different narratives as the league prepares for the 2026 campaign.
Arizona’s No. 3 Pick and Its Immediate Role
In Arizona, Love inherits a backfield that, on paper, appears crowded but is in flux. Veteran James Conner, a 31‑year‑old who finished the previous season on injured reserve, is expected to be limited, while the Cardinals added Tyler Allgeier on a two‑year, $12.25 million contract. The combination of a high draft slot and uncertainty surrounding Conner creates a scenario where Love is positioned to claim the primary carries early in the season.
Seattle’s Injury‑Plagued Backfield Opens a Window
Seattle’s situation is defined by attrition. Zach Charbonnet, who posted a 52.6 PFSN RB impact rating last year, tore his ACL in the divisional round and is slated to miss much of 2026. The Seahawks entered the draft knowing Charbonnet’s absence, selecting Price precisely to fill the void. The offensive line returns largely intact, with ten of eleven starters from the Super Bowl‑winning unit, and new coordinator Brian Fleury, a seven‑year disciple of Kyle Shanahan, brings a deep appreciation for wide‑zone concepts.
The resulting depth chart gives Price a clear runway for volume, even as the team retains a stable line and a scheme that rewards his skill set. While Love’s draft pedigree suggests a higher long‑term ceiling, the immediate opportunity for rookie‑year touches tilts the balance toward Price for those seeking a clean path to carries.
Beyond the two teams, the ripple effects are evident. Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP, departed Seattle for Kansas City in a record‑breaking free‑agent deal, further thinning the Seahawks’ backfield. Meanwhile, Arizona’s roster moves, including the re‑signing of Bam Knight and the arrival of Trey Benson after a knee injury, add layers of competition that could reshape the RB landscape before the season even begins.