The Tennessee Titans have made it a point of emphasis to give Cam Ward as much help as possible ahead of his second season, which could lead to them using the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
In The Athletic's latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, which has Love being picked by Tennessee at No. 4, those who have tried to slow him down this year were so effusive in their praise of him that it may seem less likely than ever that the Titans would pass on him.
“This guy is super fast and runs so hard,” said one defensive coordinator who played against Love. “Explosive is the best word to describe him. He is a true home-run hitter. He was the best back we’ve faced in years. A Big Ten defensive backs coach said that "he’s probably the best player in this draft" and attests that Love outran many of the speed demons he played against.
Titans may need to draft Jeremiyah Love after latest anonymous praise
Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry in consecutive seasons, running for 35 touchdowns in the last two seasons. Even while splitting carries with fellow 2026 draftee Jadarian Price, Love proved to be the best running back in the country when he got a full head of steam.
The debate around Love isn't related to his quality as a player or the Titans' need for some running back talent. Love is an instant starter, and Tony Pollard is not the type of player who should block Tennessee from making a big-name addition in the name of supporting Ward.
Rather, Love could be an exercise in positional value. Even in a league where the running back is coming back into focus, using the No. 4 overall pick on one makes him one of the higher-paid players at his position right out of the gate. Pass rushers picked that high won't have that problem.
However, if Robert Saleh is truly the defensive mastermind he claims to be, he might be able to use his merry band of former Jets role players to get anough quality milked out of that side of the ball to warrant the heavy-hitting draft picks being used on the offensive side of affairs.
It remains to be see how high Love's ceiling will be in the pros, but if he gets even a passable offensive line at his disposal, it seems like there is an almost minescule chance that he is a poor player. That safety might be what ultimately helps Tennessee decide to draft him.