LOOKS LIKE LOVE: All Signs Point to Arizona Cardinals Drafting RB Jeremiyah Love at #3 Overall

In this episode of Locked On Cardinals, Alex Clancy dives deep into the impending 2026 NFL Draft and the buzz surrounding the Arizona Cardinals' pivotal decisions in the first round. The conversation centers on two polarizing prospects: running back Jeremiah Love, who is widely projected to be selected third overall, and quarterback Ty Simpson, a potential late first-round target. Alex Clancy passionately debates the wisdom—and folly—of taking a running back so high, questioning whether the excitement of drafting Love outweighs the franchise's greater needs at positions like offensive line and pass rusher. He warns that only struggling organizations use high draft capital on non-premium positions, and points out the financial and strategic risks of such a move, including how it would affect both short- and long-term roster construction. Alex Clancy also explores various trade-back scenarios, analyzing mock drafts that have the Cardinals dealing with teams like the Cowboys and Saints to collect additional picks and set themselves up for future success. He offers insight into how such trades could balance immediate excitement for fans with a more sustainable team-building approach, emphasizing that the process and strategy behind the scenes matters as much as the eventual results. The episode then pivots to the ripple effects of potentially drafting Ty Simpson. Alex Clancy explains the sky-high volatility that comes with investing in an inexperienced quarterback and the impact such a choice could have on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s future with the team. He cautions that thrusting a rookie quarterback into action could derail Harrison Jr.'s progression and even prompt trade speculation if things go awry. Throughout, Alex Clancy underscores the need for coherent roster-building and cautions against knee-jerk, “flashy” picks that provide a short-term boost at the expense of sustained success. The episode closes with Alex Clancy's updated final predictions, weighing the most likely outcomes if the Cardinals stay at their pick or find a trade partner, and reiterating the excitement and uncertainty that surround draft night. He encourages fan engagement and sets the stage for live coverage and continued discussion throughout the draft weekend. Let's discuss.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnfl. Home ChefFor a limited time, Home Chef is offering my listeners 50% off your first box, free shipping, and free dessert for life. Go to http://HomeChef.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5x Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.