There's been much debate regarding whether or not the Tennessee Titans should select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Believers argue that Love is the best overall prospect in the draft and would help Cam Ward on offense. Naysayers claim you cannot use the fourth selection on a running back.
Arguably the most successful outcome in recent NFL Draft history at running back occurred when the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall. Gibbs has been a dynamic playmaker who helped the Lions complete their rebuild.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke on the selection of Gibbs earlier this week at the annual NFL Owners Meetings. Campbell's explanation reveals why the Titans should seriously consider taking Love at No. 4 overall.
Lions HC Dan Campbell explains why Titans can draft Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 overall
“We didn’t view Gibbs as a runner," Campbell told Easton Freeze. "He was a weapon. He was a little bit like Jamo [Jamison Williams]. Like, we didn’t necessarily view Jamo as a true receiver. We saw more weaponry. So, a lot of versatility, things you can do. And so, that’s why it was, we felt like Gibbs, man, this guy is going to explode. Like, yes, he’s a runner. He can run all schemes. He can run inside, outside, pin-and-pull the perimeters. But he’s also, he can be lethal out in the backfield.”
NFL scouts view Love as a legitimate three-down weapon, potentially offsetting the concerns of taking a devalued position at No. 4 overall for the Titans. As Freeze explains, members of the Titans' brass have compared Love to Gibbs themselves. Hearing Campbell justify the line of thinking, and more importantly, seeing how their roster has flourished despite drafting a running back so early helps strengthen the argument.
Love departs the Fighting Irish having produced consecutive seasons with 25-plus receptions. In 2025, the electric prospect had career highs in receiving yards (280), yards per catch (10.4), and touchdowns (three). Love can flex outside and run legitimate routes, and is also competitive and physical in pass protection.
Campbell and the Lions have no regrets over taking Gibbs early. We'll see if the Titans view Love as a comparable asset.