The Tennessee Titans entered the 2026 NFL Draft needing to select a running back. Many believe Jeremiyah Love would be the choice at No. 4 overall. Love went to the Arizona Cardinals with the third selection, and indications are the Titans would have picked wide Carnell Tate with the fourth selection regardless.
Heading into Day 3, running back still appeared on Mike Borgonzi's to-do list. With the 165th pick, Borgonzi took an incredibly intriguing ball-carrier in Penn State's Nicholas Singleton. Tennessee's running back room is now officially crowded.
Singleton will possess a legitimate opportunity to carve out a role for himself. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears have officially been put on notice.
2026 NFL Draft: Titans send loud message to Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears with Nicholas Singleton pick
Both Pollard and Spears are entering contract years. It's difficult to envision them returning to Nashville in 2027. Borgonzi inherited them from previous GM Ran Carthon, and he's shown a consistent willingness to rebuild the roster in his own vision.
Pollard is an aging asset. Borgonzi values health and availability, and Spears has been injury prone throughout his tenure with the Titans. Drafting Singleton is a step towards preparing to move on from both Pollard and Spears next offseason.
Singleton was a four-year contributor who arrived as a five-star recruit, but experienced a hot-and-cold career. The Shillington, Pennsylvania native leaves Penn State . having set a program record with 5,586 career all-purpose yards. Singleton also scored 55 total career touchdowns.
Singleton failed to follow up his outstanding 2024 campaign with another strong 2025 season. The entire program struggled, leading to the in-season dismissal of long-term head coach James Franklin. Singleton is a 219-pound back with explosive speed, but he's mostly a linear runner who struggles to make dynamic cuts.
Improving his vision and instincts will be top priorities at rookie minicamp. The Titans also have Michael Carter, Julius Chestnut, and Kalel Mullings on the roster at running back. Mullings was a draft pick last year who is still developing. Competition for reps will be fierce, and Singleton won't be handed anything.
The Titans are eventually preparing to replace Pollard and Spears. Borgonzi and Brian Daboll will hope Singleton can outperform his draft slot. Singleton is obviously a talented player with an impressive background. His arrival sends a message to the veteran backs.
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