The Arizona Cardinals may have just landed two of the NFL's most exciting young talents. According to ESPN's latest "NFL Rookie of the Year" predictions, two Cardinals rookies are in the running for the prestigious honor—and one of them is a top contender.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort made a bold statement in the 2026 NFL Draft by focusing heavily on the offensive side of the ball. With new head coach Mike LaFleur—an offensive-minded leader—at the helm, Ossenfort selected five offensive players out of seven total picks. The message is clear: the Cardinals are building a dynamic attack.
The biggest splash came with the #3 overall pick, running back Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame. While many mock drafts had the Cardinals targeting offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa or edge rushers like David Bailey or Arvell Reese, LaFleur had his eyes set on Love from the start. "That was his guy," insiders say. Love brings explosive speed, vision, and a bruising running style that should immediately energize Arizona's backfield.
ESPN's list ranks Love at #2 overall for Rookie of the Year, trailing only Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza. But here's the twist: the Raiders also signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins in free agency, who is expected to start Week 1. If Cousins plays well, Mendoza's snaps could be limited, potentially opening the door for Love to leapfrog him for the award.
Love's path to success is paved by a revamped offensive line. Ossenfort didn't just add talent—he transformed the unit entirely. The offseason haul included the best guard prospect in free agency, Isaac Seumalo, a new right tackle in Elijah Wilkinson, and a savvy draft pick in Chase Bisontis out of Texas A&M. This rebuilt line, combined with the league's best tight end and a capable receiving corps, sets the stage for an explosive offense.
With LaFleur's run-heavy scheme and plenty of tight end sets, Love is poised to be the centerpiece of a rejuvenated Cardinals attack. If he stays healthy and produces, don't be surprised to see him holding the Rookie of the Year trophy at season's end. For Cardinals fans, the future has never looked brighter.