TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals bucked recent draft wisdom when they selected Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, making him the highest selected running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 in 2018.
Love said he wasn't surprised at all — particularly after a talk with Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort last week that made him feel like the desert was a real possibility.
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love meets with fans after being chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the third overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love reacts as he walks on stage before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
FILE - Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) gets past a tackle-attempt by Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the third overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“I’m not going to get into the specifics of it, but we had a great conversation,” Love said. “I love him. He loves me. And we’re going to make this relationship work.”
The Cardinals and first-year coach Mike LaFleur picked up arguably the best offensive playmaker on the board when they selected the Fighting Irish star. The 6-foot, 212-pound unanimous All-America selection ran for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final college season while also catching three TDs.
The 20-year-old followed that electric junior year with a standout performance at the combine, running a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash. Now he joins a short list of running backs selected in the top 10 over the past decade that includes Barkley, Leonard Fournette, Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty.
“It is my job and it is my duty to make sure that when I step foot in Arizona that I do what I got to do to represent the running backs and represent Arizona in the right way,” Love said.
Arizona finished with a 4-13 record last season, but now has an intriguing group of young skill position players that includes Love, All-Pro tight end Trey McBride and receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.
There's little doubt about Love's talent, but there's also a question if he's the best fit for the Cardinals, who already have a crowded running back room with James Conner, Tyler Allgeier and Trey Benson.
The Cardinals had been connected to Love in recent days, but many pundits thought they would be better served finding an edge rusher to pair with veteran Josh Sweat. Ohio State edge Arvell Reese was still on the board when the Cardinals picked, but the franchise elected to go with a running back that some have compared to three-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey or Robinson.
Reese ended up going to the New York Giants at No. 5.
It's a big moment for LaFleur, who was hired to replace Jonathan Gannon after three years as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Arizona hasn't made the playoffs since 2021 and has lost at least 13 games in three of the past four seasons.
It's also an important selection for Ossenfort, the fourth-year GM who has a mixed track record on first-round selections over three seasons. He took left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. with the No. 6 pick in 2023, and the Ohio State star has developed into a franchise cornerstone.
Ossenfort took another Ohio State product in Harrison with the No. 4 pick in 2024 and the receiver has been good, but not great, during his time with the Cardinals. His No. 27 pick in the same draft — Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson — has had two injury-filled, disappointing seasons.
Last year, the Cardinals took Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen III at No. 16. He showed promise in limited playing time, but missed most of his rookie year with injuries.
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love meets with fans after being chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the third overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love poses on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love reacts as he walks on stage before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
FILE - Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) gets past a tackle-attempt by Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the third overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Fernando Mendoza’s journey from overlooked two-star recruit to the top of the NFL draft is complete after the Las Vegas Raiders took him with the first pick on Thursday night.
Turning the Raiders into a contender is the next challenge for the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship.
The 22-year-old quarterback wasn’t in the Steel City for the festivities, choosing instead to celebrate with family and friends at home in Miami.
Mendoza flashed a big smile after Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name, put a Raiders cap on and began hugging his family while seated on the couch, saving the warmest embrace for his mother.
He’ll be heading to Las Vegas on Friday to begin an NFL career that may have seemed improbable when few colleges were interested in him coming out of high school.
“The last five months have been such a blessing by God, and I can’t thank Him enough," Mendoza said. "I’m just looking forward to get to work, prove it at the next level. College was fantastic. I’m so blessed to have that career, but now I step into a great game, the NFL. Look forward to proving and earning it every single day.”
Mendoza wasn’t even a prominent prospect at this time last year. But he had a sensational season with the Hoosiers, completing 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
Still, there are plenty of doubts about him in a quarterback-thin draft class. He’s determined to prove any critics wrong again.
The Los Angeles Rams surprised draft experts by taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th pick. Simpson, who started just 15 games in college, was among 16 prospects who came to Pittsburgh even though many draft boards had him going in the second round.
Simpson exuded confidence when he walked the red carpet.
“Absolutely, I am confident,” Simpson said. "That’s why I decided to come out. You know with the offensive infrastructure we had in Alabama with other coaches and the offensive system, the weight room, everything was set up to better you for the NFL. And that’s why I stayed at ’Bama.”
Mendoza's selection was expected for months. The intrigue began at No. 2 with the New York Jets, who selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey over Ohio State edge Arvell Reese.
“It’s surreal to me," Bailey said. "It’s an awesome opportunity. I just want to get in there and be a sponge and soak up everything.”
Arizona took Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the third pick. Love is the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was picked fourth by Tennessee in a surprise move that gives QB Cam Ward — last year’s No. 1 overall pick — a top target.
The Giants took Reese at No. 5, adding a potential elite rusher less than a week after trading three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati.
The Chiefs traded up to No. 6 to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Kansas City sent Cleveland the ninth pick along with Nos. 74 and 148 to move up.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles went seventh to Washington, improving a defense that allowed the most yards in the league last season.
New Orleans selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8, giving QB Tyler Shough a 1-2 punch with Chris Olave.
Utah’s Spencer Fano was the first offensive lineman chosen, going to Cleveland with the ninth pick.
The Giants followed up with another offensive tackle, taking Miami’s Francis Mauigoa at No. 10.
The Cowboys moved up one spot to select versatile Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11. Dallas sent Miami a pair of fifth-rounders and the 12th pick. The Dolphins took Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
Baltimore chose Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 14 with a pick they had traded to the Raiders for Maxx Crosby but regained when they voided the trade.
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was selected by Tampa Bay with the 15th pick, giving the Buccaneers' dismal pass rush a possible game-changer who was considered a top-10 talent.
Mendoza won’t be rushed into the starting lineup by the Raiders, who haven’t won a playoff game in 24 years. He’ll get a chance to learn from four-time Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins and Raiders part-owner Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion who Mendoza grew up idolizing.
Mendoza is the fourth straight quarterback selected No. 1 overall following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young. It’s the 10th time in 12 years a QB was the first pick.
None of those 10 have won a Super Bowl, though Jared Goff and Joe Burrow each started one.
In 2024, six QBs were among the top 12 picks. Four have already won playoff games and Drake Maye was 2025 MVP runner-up and started the Super Bowl.
Goodell kicked off the night by walking on stage with Steelers stars T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, earning the customary boos that greet him each year at the draft. The players waved yellow Terrible Towels while Goodell held his.
“C’mon, you can do better than that,” Goodell said about the boos. “We have over 300,000 people. Let’s go. Let’s hear you.”
Heyward then introduced franchise greats Lynn Swann, Hines Ward and Terry Bradshaw as a sea of Steelers fans roared.
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Las Vegas Raiders fans celebrate after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey poses with fans after being chosen by the New York Jets with the second overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Las Vegas Raiders fans celebrate after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is shown on a screen after being chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Fireworks explode over the draft stage before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Arvell Reese, Ohio State linebacker, is interviewed after the NFL's annual prospect clinic ahead of the NFL football draft Wednesday,April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Ty Simpson, Alabama quarterback, is interviewed after the NFL's annual prospect clinic ahead of the NFL football draft Wednesday,April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Work continues on the draft stage ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
People rehearse ahead of the NFL football draft, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
