The rumors are intensifying with just a few short days remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters is approaching every report with skepticism, especially with so much uncertainty at the top of this year's process.
But a new revelation from one of the most clued-up insiders in the business won't go unnoticed by Peters.
Everything is out of Washington's hands until Peters goes on the clock at No. 7 overall. The Commanders will have a list of potential options, and the door won't be completely closed on a trade down the order either. They will be keeping a close eye on developments elsewhere, ready to react with conviction when the time comes.
Adam Schefter reduces Commanders' chances of taking Jeremiyah Love with new report
ESPN insider Adam Schefter revealed the growing chatter around the NFL about Jeremiyah Love being in contention for the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall. The NFC West club has received calls to move back, but if they stand pat, the Notre Dame running back may be the shocking pick.
"There is growing chatter in league circles that [Jeremiyah] Love is truly in play at the high end of that range with Arizona. Ideally, the Cardinals would like to find a team willing to trade up so they can acquire more picks, and there have already been "exploratory" calls, as one source described it, regarding the No. 3 selection.
"But if the Cardinals hold on to their pick, some around the league believe they could pull an early draft surprise and select Love in a slot slightly higher than he has been projected to go."
When Schefter talks, people listen. But this sure sounds like a plea from the Cardinals for someone to come up and make them an offer they cannot refuse.
Make no mistake, Arizona potentially taking Love would flip an already uncertain draft upside down.
Most experts believe the pick will be either Arvell Reese or David Bailey, depending on who the New York Jets select at No. 2. They wouldn't be alone in coveting those prospects, which could tempt someone lower down the order to surge into the third spot. If not, Schefter believes the Cardinals are growing increasingly comfortable with taking Love if it comes to it.
Love and quarterback Jayden Daniels would be a dynamic pairing capable of taking the NFL by storm. The Commanders don't have the assets to move up, so they would have to get lucky. With the Cardinals' rumored interest, the Tennessee Titans are being heavily favored to take him at No. 4, and the New York Giants are also in the mix; that could be one hurdle too many for Washington.
Fans won't stop dreaming, but the reality may look far different.
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