NFL insider Ian Rapoport has provided new insight into the Arizona Cardinals' decision to select Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The selection of the Notre Dame standout has been a major talking point across the league, marking the highest draft slot for a running back in nearly a decade.
According to Rapoport (per @RapSheet), the Cardinals' decision was finalized after the team received full medical clearance regarding a previously undisclosed concern. Love reportedly produced an abnormal EKG result during the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year. However, Rapoport confirmed that subsequent testing and evaluations by specialists fully cleared the star back, ensuring his status as a top-five lock.
The Cardinals, under general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur, prioritized Love’s "explosive" playmaking ability to lead their backfield. Love is slated to sign a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $53 million, a deal that is fully guaranteed under the NFL's rookie wage scale. This reporting comes as Rapoport begins his new multiyear tenure with ESPN, following the network's acquisition of NFL Media assets.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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