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BYU fans might grab some pitchforks on Tyler Allgeier's behalf if the Cardinals draft RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 3

Tyler Allgeier spent the last three seasons playing second fiddle to Bijan Robinson, the former No. 8 pick in the draft. Allgeier just signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals and there are ominous reports the same frustrating dynamic might play out in his new home.
Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, Germany; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, Germany; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Adam Schefter is arguably the most plugged-in NFL insider in the league.

If his recent tweet about the Arizona Cardinals potentially using their No. 3 overall pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has any substance, then heaven help Tyler Allgeier and the BYU fans who root for him.

After reading that, all I can do is shake my head and force out a frustrated sigh. History may be repeating itself for Tyler Allgeier playing second fiddle to a fellow running back with a much more prestigious draft pedigree. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Allgeier's frustrating last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Allgeier in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and the former BYU superstar exploded on to the scene. In his rookie season he rusted for a franchise record 1,035 yards and averaged a whopping 4.9 yards per carry. BYU fans were giddy as we expected that to be Allgeier's baseline upon which he would build in upcoming seasons. Visions of monster seasons and future Pro Bowls danced in our heads.

But then the 2022 NFL Draft happened, and the Allgeier-to-the-Hall-of-Fame fantasies quickly died.

One year after Tyler's remarkable rookie campaign the Falcons invested the No. 8 pick in the draft on fellow running back and future Pro Bowler Bijan Robinson. Instead of Tyler Allgeier progressing in Year 2, he took a back seat to Bijan.

Allgeier's carries per game dropped from 13.1 per game as a rookie to just over eight carries per game over the last two seasons. And not all carries are created equal. Over the last couple of seasons many of Tyler's carries came on "and short" situations against stacked boxes.

Tyler
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The last three seasons have been challenging with the former BYU star sometimes just getting the scraps that fell from Bijan Robinson's table.

With his rookie contract finally ending after the 2025 season, Allgeier was able to find a new team this offseason. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year, $12.3 million deal, expecting to resume his 1,000-plus yard form from his rookie season.

And now if Schefter's reporting has any weight to it, that cycle of frustration might continue.

The frustration to come if the Cardinals draft Jeremiyah Love

If the Cardinals actually do invest the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft in Jeremiyah Love, then get ready for Tyler Allgeier spending more time on the sidelines than BYU fans would want.

Drafting running backs early in the first round runs counter to modern NFL Draft best practices. The common understanding in the NFL is that running backs are easy to replace, can be found later in the draft, and are suspect to injuries. It's one of the least valuable positions on the offensive side of the ball. Teams are usually better off investing the No. 3 pick in a game-changing edge rusher, left tackle, or lock-down cornerback than a running back.

Love
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

So if the Cardinals actually pull the trigger on Love at No. 3, Arizona's front office is going to feel the pressure to turn Love into an All-Pro or face the wrath of their fans.

That's exactly what happened in Atlanta with Bijan Robinson as the No. 8 pick.

Robinson, who no doubt is an incredible running back, got 20-plus touches many games while Tyler Allgeier was largely relegated to the role of casual observer from the sidelines.

BYU fans have been counting down the days for the last three years for Tyler Allgeier to get out from under Bijan Robinson's shadow in Atlanta.

Let's hope the skies remain clear in Arizona and that the Cardinals don't draft Jeremiyah Love.

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