Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love listed as backup behind Tyler Allgeier on first depth chart

Drafting running backs in the first round of the NFL Draft has become a rarity in the modern game. The Arizona Cardinals bucked the trend of devaluing ball carriers when they took Jeremiyah Love third overall. The Notre Dame product was the highest drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went second overall in 2018.

Love is an all-around back capable of running with speed, power, balance, and elusiveness. He can also protect the passer and thrive as a pass catcher. The Cardinals’ big-time draft investment signals that Love will have a huge role in the offense right away, especially with bridge quarterback Jacoby Brissett being the man who is under center.

However, Mike LaFleur is making the rookie earn his role. The Cardinals just released their first depth chart of the year, and Love wasn’t listed as a starter in Arizona’s offense. Instead, he was listed as the backup behind Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier signed a two-year contract in free agency with the Cardinals after rushing for 2,876 yards with the Atlanta Falcons, primarily as the backup to Bijan Robinson, a fellow elite running back prospect-turned professional.

Allgeier and Love aren’t the only running backs competing for touches in Arizona’s offense. The team also has James Conner and Trey Benson, both of whom have starting experience in Arizona’s backfield. Passes also need to go Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride’s way.

Despite Love’s current status as a backup, it is clear that he is a huge part of not just Arizona’s future, but their present, too. Teams oftentimes put rookies lower on the depth chart than veterans as to give respect to those who already know what it takes to have a successful professional career. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Love is listed as the starter come Week 1, and he will surely operate as the primary ball carrier right away.

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