GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals have created a sense of unpredictability during this NFL draft process. A month ago, every draft expert had Arizona taking an offensive lineman with the third overall pick. As the weeks past, the consensus changed to edge rusher in David Bailey or Arvell Reese. And just as a sense of normalcy arrived, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cardinals are seriously considering taking Jeremiyah Love.
The chaos has caused a three-headed race for betting odds by BetMGM for who the franchise will select with the third overall pick.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Love (4)runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
The top three names in Bailey, Love and Reese have all increased from miss +400 into about below +250. Bailey is still the favorite because Reese is still seen as a lock to go second overall to the New York Jets, making the Ohio State product unavailable for Arizona. While the Love train has picked up steam, Sportsbooks still don’t see it as a realistic outcome.
General manager Monti Ossenfort signed a running back in free agency, Tyler Allgeier. The Cardinals already have three running backs on the roster, with none of them seen as cut candidates. James Conner and Trey Benson did both go down with injuries last season, and Ossenfort could just be trying to bulk up the running back room. However, the likelihood of a team’s top two halfbacks going down with season-ending injuries seem low.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The franchise could try to trade Benson or Conner, but it would be each player at their lowest value possible. Love is seen as the second best prosect in the draft and could be the engine for an elite NFL offense. Despite that positive, the complication that would follow the selection could leave to some uncomfortable conversations for Ossenfort.
Jeremiyah Love third overall to Cardinals picking up steam, willing to trade pick for package