The Tennessee Titans could shock the rest of the NFL this April and use their top-five pick on a non-premium position.
It's already been a busy week for the Titans, make no mistake about it. They acquired Pro Bowl defensive end Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets in exchange for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat. This move will reunite Johnson with his former Jets head coach, Robert Saleh. He had 55 tackles, 16 QB hits and 7.5 sacks under Saleh's leadership during the 2023 season.
Now that Tennessee has added a potential-packed pass rusher to its roster, the front office could use its first-round selection on an offensive playmaker.
According to Matthew Berry, the Titans believe Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the "best player" in the draft. If that's true, he might be an option for them when they're on the clock with the fourth overall pick.
For what it's worth, Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi spoke highly of Love at the NFL Combine this week.
"Any time you can get a running back like that, especially a three-down running back, that can play in the pass game as well and be able to take over a game," Borgonzi said. "You've seen guys in the league now that can do that. Gibbs is an example in Detroit that can run in between the tackles. He can-he's a game changer, and you can line him up outside, you can use him as a receiver. And I think this guy in the draft, Jeremiyah does that as well … It's the speed and the ability to play on three downs, what you see with those players and they're tough."
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 09: Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) rushes with the ball during the Penn State Nittany Lions versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Is Jeremiyah Love the right pick for the Titans?
There's no question Love is the best running back in this year's draft. He racked up 2,882 rushing yards, 594 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns during his career at Notre Dame.
While teams are usually advised to avoid taking a running back in the top-10, Saleh understands the value of having an elite ground game.
"Shoot, I just had a year with Christian McCaffrey," Saleh said. "I think he had over 400 touches. So, if they are three down players and they can impact the game and they can create mismatches out on the perimeter as well as run the ball the way they do. Guys like Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian, I'm sure there's a few more. They're tremendous assets to the football team."
Of course, the Titans could be hyping up Love to generate buzz on the trade market. We'll have to wait until late April to find out if they're bluffing.
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