The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season with a promising group of rookies who are expected to make significant contributions to the team's offense. According to a recent report by ESPN, rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is projected to be a standout player, while quarterback Carson Beck may take longer to establish himself in the lineup.
In ESPN's "2026 NFL rookies guide: Stat leaders, fantasy picks, top QBs," released on September 5, Love was highlighted as a leading candidate for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Selected third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love's selection marks the first time since Saquon Barkley was picked second overall in 2018 that a running back has been drafted within the top five. This high draft position brings with it considerable expectations, and ESPN writer Jordan Reid believes Love has the potential to meet them as the centerpiece of new head coach Mike LaFleur's offensive scheme.
Love's college career at Notre Dame was impressive, as he finished as a top-three Heisman finalist in 2025. During that season, he amassed 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 280 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His versatility as both a rusher and a pass catcher is expected to be a key asset in the Cardinals' offense, allowing him to exploit mismatches against defenders.
Despite suffering a sprained ankle during his first preseason game, ESPN remains optimistic about Love's potential workload. He is ranked as the top rookie by fantasy football analyst Eric Moody, who projects that Love could average 18.7 touches per game. Moody emphasized that in a league increasingly dominated by running back committees, Love's projected workload keeps him firmly in the RB1 conversation. Although Moody ranked Love as the lowest among ESPN's fantasy analysts at No. 14 among running backs, many of his colleagues have him within their top 10.
On the other hand, fellow rookie Carson Beck, who is currently third on the Cardinals' quarterback depth chart, faces a more uncertain path to playing time. ESPN's Dan Graziano speculated that Beck could see some starts in December, but with 12 games before that point, his timeline for impact is less clear. Beck is positioned behind veteran quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, both of whom have experience in the league.
Brissett, who started 12 games for the Cardinals in 2025, averaged seven adjusted yards per pass attempt but struggled with a 1-11 record. Minshew, a Pro Bowl selection in his career, has also had his share of challenges, going 3-9 in his last 12 starts. Given that Beck was drafted in the third round (No. 65 overall), higher than both Brissett (No. 91) and Minshew (No. 178), there is potential for head coach Mike LaFleur to explore Beck's capabilities as the season progresses.
The Cardinals' 2026 draft strategy focused on acquiring players who could contribute immediately, yet the first four picks have all faced challenges during the preseason. If Love and Beck can overcome their respective hurdles, their contributions could signify a positive shift for the Cardinals as they look to improve in the upcoming season.
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