2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Jump Up for Jeremiyah Love as Cardinals Lock In Their Franchise QB
The Cowboys throw caution to the wind, giving up significant draft capital to acquire Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in this 2026 NFL mock draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys Trade Up for Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals Secure a Quarterback
The Dallas Cowboys are making a bold statement in this 2026 NFL mock draft, trading up from their original position and surrendering significant draft capital to land Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. The move signals a dramatic shift in philosophy for a franchise that has historically been reluctant to invest premium picks in the running back position. By throwing caution to the wind, the Cowboys are betting that Love's dynamic playmaking ability will be the missing piece that propels them back into championship contention.
Jeremiyah Love has been one of the most electrifying players in college football during his time at Notre Dame, showcasing elite speed, vision, and versatility that have drawn comparisons to some of the league's top backs. His ability to contribute both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield makes him an ideal fit for the modern NFL offense. The Cowboys clearly believe that Love's talent justifies the heavy price they paid to move up in the draft order, even as analysts debate whether investing so heavily in a running back is a wise long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals address their most pressing need by securing a quarterback in this mock draft. With the franchise looking to establish long-term stability under center, the Cardinals take advantage of their draft positioning to land a signal-caller who they believe can be the face of the organization for years to come. The selection represents a pivotal moment for Arizona as they continue their rebuilding efforts and look to compete in an increasingly competitive NFC West division.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, these projected moves highlight the vastly different strategies teams are willing to employ to reshape their rosters. The Cowboys are gambling that a generational running back talent like Love can transform their offense overnight, while the Cardinals are taking the more traditional route of building around a franchise quarterback. Only time will tell which approach pays greater dividends, but both moves would undoubtedly shake up the draft board and send ripple effects throughout the league for years to come.