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SHOCKER: Allgeier Leapfrogs 5-Star Love on Cardinals Depth Chart
The Arizona Cardinals’ Running Back Situation: What’s Going On with Jeremiyah Love?
The Big Picture
The Arizona Cardinals made a huge splash in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting running back Jeremiyah Love with the 3rd overall pick. That’s a very high pick — teams usually only use a top-3 selection on a player they believe can be a superstar right away.
But here’s the confusing part: if you look at the team’s official depth chart right now, Love isn’t listed as the starter.
The Current Depth Chart
Here’s how the Cardinals’ running back room stacks up on paper right now:
- Tyler Allgeier — Listed as the 1st string (starter)
- Jeremiyah Love — Listed as 2nd string (backup)
- James Conner — Listed as 3rd string
- Trey Benson
- Bam Knight
- Corey Kiner
IMPORTANT POINT
Don’t panic! This is completely normal for NFL teams. Just because Love is listed as "second string" on a piece of paper in June doesn’t mean he won’t be the main guy when real games start in September.
Why Do Teams Do This?
NFL coaches love to say: "You have to earn it." Even if a player was drafted #3 overall, most teams want to see them prove it in practice, preseason games, and team meetings before handing them the official "starter" label on the published depth chart.
Think of it like this: The depth chart is just a snapshot of right now. The real depth chart gets written on the field during training camp.
What This Means for the 2025 Season
Realistic Expectations
| Player | Role Prediction |
|---|---|
| Jeremiyah Love | Lead back / Starter for the regular season (barring injury) |
| Tyler Allgeier | Veteran presence, change-of-pace option, pass protection help |
| James Conner | Short-yardage/goal-line specialist, mentor |
| Trey Benson, Bam Knight, Corey Kiner | Fighting for roster spots, special teams contributors |
Step-by-Step: How Love Becomes the Official Starter
- OTAs & Minicamp (Spring) — Learn the playbook, build chemistry with QB
- Training Camp (July/August) — Compete in padded practices, show durability
- Preseason Games (August) — Perform in live game action against other teams
- Final Roster Cuts (Late August) — Coaches make final depth chart decisions
- Week 1 (September) — Love likely takes the field as RB1
Why This Actually Makes Sense
- Allgeier has NFL experience (3 seasons with Falcons) — knows pass protection, blitz pickup
- Conner is a two-time Pro Bowler — great mentor for a rookie
- Love gets time to learn without maximum pressure from Day 1
- Coaches maintain credibility: "starters earn their spots"
Summary
Jeremiyah Love was drafted 3rd overall to be the franchise running back
Current depth chart lists Tyler Allgeier as starter — this is standard NFL practice
Love will almost certainly be the Week 1 starter barring injury
Veterans Allgeier and Conner provide insurance and mentorship
The "official" depth chart will update once Love proves he’s ready in camp
FAQ
Is Jeremiyah Love actually going to start?
Yes. Barring injury or a complete disaster in training camp, Love will be the Cardinals’ primary running back when the regular season starts. The depth chart is just a formality right now.
Why didn’t they just name him starter immediately?
NFL teams believe players should earn their spots through performance, not just draft status. It also keeps veterans motivated and sets the right culture.
What if Love struggles in camp?
Then Allgeier — who has starting experience — would be a perfectly capable fallback. That’s why veteran depth matters!
Will James Conner get carries?
Almost certainly. Conner excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Expect a committee approach with Love getting the bulk of carries.
When will the depth chart officially change?
Usually after the final preseason game or right before Week 1 roster cuts in late August. That’s when coaches finalize their 53-man roster and official starters.
Go Birds!
