The 2026 NFL Draft is approximately 48 hours away, and the picture at the top of the first round is becoming clearer. While nothing will be certain until Thursday night, most prominent draft analysts have agreed that Fernando Mendoza, Arvell Reese, and David Bailey (in some order) will likely be the first three players off the board. Additionally, the same experts have largely agreed on the fourth player drafted: running back Jeremiyah Love to the Titans.
Although the rationale of drafting a running back this early is certainly debatable, the likelihood of Love being Tennessee’s first round selection has felt more and more like a lock the closer we get to the big night. With his combination of production and measurables, the former Notre Dame standout is unlikely to be a bust, to say the least. However, recent history has taught us that even the best running backs in the league cannot reach their potential without the right pieces around them. While the Titans have made significant upgrades to the coaching staff and defense, the offense is still a work-in-progress that may lack the necessary pieces at other positions for Love to be successful.
Fortunately, many of those pieces can be addressed immediately, with plenty of promising talent available later in the draft. So if the Titans do select the Notre Dame star, what must Mike Borgonzi do in the next few rounds to ensure Love– and more importantly, Cam Ward– can be successful early in the Robert Saleh era?
Round 2
Tennessee has the third pick of the second round (35 overall), with several needs to fill. Both center and right guard still linger as question marks, and the offensive line will be critical for the success of both young franchise players. Cam Ward also still needs an upgrade at receiver (which will, in turn, help the running game), and a new EDGE is needed for Saleh’s defense.
Unless an unexpected slide occurs for someone like Vega Ioane, many of the best options for interior offensive linemen will still be available later. If KC Concepcion (or a similar projected first-round WR) is still on the board, this could be the selection. Big play threats like Chris Brazzell and Zachariah Branch will also be tempting possibilities. Of course, good pass-catchers should be available in the third round.
This leaves EDGE, in which promising players like Zion Young, Cashius Howell, Malachi Lawrence, and Gabe Jacas could be immediate contributors at a premium position. And the drop-off is likely to be significant between the second and third rounds for pass rushers.
Round 3
With the second pick of the third round, the Titans could still have their choice of the top center prospects. Opinions vary greatly between Connor Lew, Jake Slaughter, and Sam Hecht, and Tennessee’s preference will depend upon their own evaluation and preference.
On the other hand, this could be the last opportunity to nab a prospect who can contribute early and potentially develop into a number-one receiver. Skylar Bell, Malachi Fields, Chris Bell, Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, and De’Zhaun Stribling could all be available at this point, but few (if any) will still be around after the third round.
Round 4
If the Titans go RB, EDGE, WR on the first two days, they will be unable to wait any longer to address the offensive line by Saturday. The good news is: there should be lots of solid guard prospects available, and maybe even one of the top center options. Given the drop-off after the top three/four centers, this would be the best option if possible. Also good news: Mike Borgonzi has already proven he can find outstanding value in the middle rounds.
Round 5
With most needs addressed in the first four rounds, guard remains as the final piece of the puzzle. While the fifth round may not present many options for Day 1 starters, the Titans will get two early bites at the apple at picks 142 and 144. This could present an opportunity to take a guard like Billy Schrauth, Jeremiah Wright, or Jalen Farmer AND a developmental tackle prospect to be the left tackle of the future.
Rounds 6 & 7
If the draft board falls our way, and if Tennessee follows some version of this path, they can simply take the best-player-available approach here. Obviously these are two massive “ifs,” and anything can happen. Trades up or down are almost certain to change some priorities, and Borgonzi may take a completely different approach. Not to mention the fact that only some of these prospects will actually live up to their potential, a fact that is so often forgotten this time of year.
But if the Titans can come away from the weekend with quality players on the offensive line, wide receiver, and pass rusher, Jeremiyah Love could be the home-run selection fans dream of, and more importantly, the new coach and young quarterback will be put in the best position to succeed immediately.
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