The Tennessee Titans are reportedly considering a surprising strategy in this year’s NFL Draft by targeting running back Jeremiyah Love with their fourth overall pick. This move would mark an unusual choice at a premium draft position, emphasizing the Titans’ intent to strengthen their offensive weapons.
Tennessee’s front office has already made a significant addition by acquiring Pro Bowl defensive end Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. This reunion pairs Johnson with head coach Robert Saleh, under whom Johnson excelled last season with 55 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks.
Recent Roster Moves Signal Offensive Focus
With Johnson bolstering their defense, the Titans now seem poised to enhance their offense through the draft. According to analyst Matthew Berry, the Titans regard Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love as the best overall player available, a rare endorsement that could lead to his selection early in the draft.
General manager Mike Borgonzi shared high praise for Love during the NFL Combine, highlighting the running back’s versatility and three-down skill set.
Any time you can get a running back like that, especially a three-down running back, that can play in the pass game as well and be able to take over a game,
Borgonzi said.
You’ve seen guys in the league now that can do that. Gibbs is an example in Detroit that can run in between the tackles. He can—he’s a game changer, and you can line him up outside, you can use him as a receiver. And I think this guy in the draft, Jeremiyah does that as well … It’s the speed and the ability to play on three downs, what you see with those players and they’re tough.
— Mike Borgonzi, Tennessee Titans GM
Evaluating Jeremiyah Love’s Fit for Tennessee
Love’s collegiate stats demonstrate his impressive capabilities, as he accumulated 2,882 rushing yards, 594 receiving yards, and 42 total touchdowns at Notre Dame. Despite general NFL draft wisdom advising against selecting running backs so high, the Titans’ coaching staff recognizes the value of an elite backfield threat.
Head coach Robert Saleh referenced his experience with star running back Christian McCaffrey to underline the impact a versatile back can have on a team’s success.
Shoot, I just had a year with Christian McCaffrey,
Saleh remarked.
I think he had over 400 touches. So, if they are three down players and they can impact the game and they can create mismatches out on the perimeter as well as run the ball the way they do. Guys like Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian, I’m sure there’s a few more. They’re tremendous assets to the football team.
— Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans Head Coach
Potential Implications for Tennessee’s Draft Approach
While the Titans’ interest in Love may reflect a genuine evaluation of his talent, some speculate this could also be a strategic move to generate trade market chatter. The true direction the Titans will take with such a top-tier pick remains unclear until the draft in late April. Nevertheless, selecting Love would signal a bold break from convention and underline a significant shift in Tennessee’s draft strategy.
Adding a three-down running back with receiving ability could transform Tennessee’s offense, providing an immediate impact player to complement their recent defensive acquisitions and potentially reshape their game plans moving forward.
Matthew Berry on a rumor he heard:
“The Tennessee Titans think Jeremiyah Love is the best player in the draft.” pic.twitter.com/Su3AO6m34Q
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 27, 2026
