The Tennessee Titans own the No. 4 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The overwhelming expectation is that the Titans will consider Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at that spot. Alternatively, if a pass rusher like David Bailey or Arvell Reese is available, Mike Borgonzi might sprint the card to the podium.
Those are the three prospects most commonly connected to the Titans with the fourth selection. There's an excellent chance two of Love, Reese, and/or Bailey are chosen at Nos. 2 and 3 overall, before the Titans officially come on the clock. With Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall, Borgonzi is guaranteed to have Love, Reese, or Bailey available.
What if the Titans don't actually fancy the consensus prospects at No. 4 overall? There are a small handful of alternative options Borgonzi and Robert Saleh may actually consider. We've identified the three most surprising (but realistic) decisions the Titans could make with the fourth pick.
2026 NFL Draft: 3 surprising picks Titans could make at No. 4 overall
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is a blue-chip prospect who belongs in the same conversation as Love. If it's conceivable to believe the Titans would consider drafting Love at No. 4 overall, then Styles deserves similar consideration. Running back and linebacker are both devalued positions.
New Titans head coach Robert Saleh is a former linebackers position. If Saleh has significant influence over the decision at No. 4, Styles could be a prospect he sees as capable of transforming his defense. The Titans could get better at linebacker, with Styles potentially being a dynamic replacement for Cody Barton.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
One of the main arguments for Love at No. 4 is how adding the impact playmaker would benefit franchise quarterback Cam Ward. There's no denying that. However, nothing would impact Ward more than taking a wide receiver. That makes Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate earn a mention.
The general consensus claims the Titans would be reaching if they drafted Tate at No. 4. Yet that same wideout is being connected to the Cleveland Browns with the sixth selection. Tate is a high-impact playmaker who would potentially fill the Titans' requirement for a future WR1.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The NFL Draft process is exhausting. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was once viewed as arguably the best overall prospect in the draft. No games have been contested since, and yet Downs allegedly finds himself tumbling down draft boards. That's difficult to fathom.
Downs is an elite safety with a well-rounded skill set. The Titans have Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. at the position, which is partially why Downs isn't viewed as a realistic option. Still, three safety packages are as popular as ever in the NFL with Nick Emmanwori and the Seattle Seahawks winning Super Bowl 60.
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