There is a famous saying in the song “Too Much Time on My Hands” by the rock group Styx that goes: “We’ve got nothing to do, and all day to do it.” So must be the daily activities of some sports writers.
This NFL season has only played four games. Already, several media sites have issued their 2027 Mock Drafts, and now Dane Brugler of The Athletic has come out with his list for the annual “NFL All-Rookie Team.”
RELATED: LOVE OPENS AS NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE FAVORITE
Keep in mind, this is based on only
a four-game sampling. But Brugler put it out there; The Athletic is a very well-respected sports site, so we will mention it.
For the running back position, Brugler has chosen Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love as this starting guy. So far, Love has played in all four games with three starts, has 55 carries for 223 yards, 9 first-down conversions, 1 touchdown, a 4.1 average yards per carry, and zero fumbles. He also has 11 receptions for 36 yards, two first-down conversions, and an additional score.
Brugler stated:
“Love hasn’t taken the league by storm as Bijan Robinson did in his first four games as a pro, but he has been a productive part of Arizona’s committee backfield. Love leads all rookies in rushing yards (223) and running back receptions (11). However, the Cardinals made him the third pick for his ability to create explosives. And of his first 55 NFL carries, only two have gone for more than 10 yards and none for more than 20. That should change soon.”
Which is not saying that Love looks like the third overall pick in any NFL draft. Brugler is simply saying that, so far in 2026, he is the best running back in his class.
The remainder of the rookie running back group, as ranked by Brugler:
- Mike Washington Jr., Raiders (Round 4 #122)
- Emmett Johnson, Chiefs (Round 5, # 161)
- Jadarian Price, Seahawks (Round 1, # 32)
- Kaelon Black, 49ers (Round 3, # 90)
- Jonah Coleman, Broncos (Round 4, # 108)
LINK: EARLY NFL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
The complete list is at the link above. None of the remainder of the Cardinals’ draft pick class from 2026 were mentioned.
Love may indeed become one of the greatest running backs in the history of the Cardinals, or even in the NFL, for that matter. But for now, he is learning the speed of the next level and isn’t in the conversation of any “greatest” list. That may change, and there are 13 games remaining on this year’s schedule. Not to mention the remainder of his career.
Here is hoping for the best for the young man.
