Titans’ Draft Focus: Is Jeremiyah Love the Missing Piece?
The Tennessee Titans are signaling a potential shift in their draft strategy, with running back Jeremiyah Love emerging as a serious contender for the No. 4 overall pick. Both Head Coach Robert Saleh and General Manager Mike Borgonzi have publicly praised Love’s versatility and potential impact, fueling speculation that the Titans might buck the trend of prioritizing quarterbacks or offensive linemen early in the draft.
The Three-Down Back Revolution
Saleh, drawing on his experience with Christian McCaffrey during his time with the 49ers, emphasized the value of a “three-down” running back – a player capable of excelling in rushing, receiving, and pass blocking. He specifically mentioned Jahmyr Gibbs as another example of this increasingly valuable archetype. Borgonzi echoed this sentiment, noting the similarities between Gibbs and Love, highlighting Love’s speed and all-around capabilities.
“Any time you can get a running back like that…that can play in the pass game as well and be able to take over a game,” Borgonzi stated. “You’ve seen guys in the league now that can do that. Gibbs is an example in Detroit…It’s the speed and the ability to play on three downs, what you notice with those players and they’re tough.”
Love’s Impressive Resume
Jeremiyah Love’s collegiate performance certainly backs up the hype. In 2025, he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning him a finalist spot for the Heisman Trophy (won by Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza). He wasn’t just a runner, either, adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. This all-around excellence led to unanimous All-American honors and the Doak Walker Award, recognizing him as the nation’s best running back.
A Meeting of Minds at the Combine
Love confirmed he met with the Titans at the NFL Combine, and he’s clearly selling himself as a complete package. He expressed his willingness to contribute in any way possible, emphasizing his versatility and dedication. “I can do it all,” Love said. “I can receive, I can block, I can run…I am willing to do anything for a team to have success.”
Expert Analysis Weighs In
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah further fuels the conversation, ranking Love as the second-best player in the draft, behind Mendoza. Jeremiah’s assessment is particularly noteworthy, as he compared Love’s potential to that of Ezekiel Elliott and Christian McCaffrey.
Current Titans Roster & Potential Fit
The Titans currently have Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Kalel Mullings at the running back position. Julius Chestnut is set to become a free agent. Adding a player of Love’s caliber would undoubtedly elevate the position, potentially transforming the Titans’ offensive attack.
Is This a Sign of a Changing NFL?
The Titans’ interest in Love reflects a broader trend in the NFL: the increasing value placed on versatile running backs. Historically, running backs were primarily valued for their rushing ability. However, the modern game demands more – pass-catching skills, blocking proficiency, and the ability to create mismatches in the passing game. Players like Gibbs and McCaffrey have demonstrated the game-changing potential of this all-purpose skillset.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on how teams value running backs in the early rounds of the draft. A continued emphasis on versatility could signal a long-term shift in offensive philosophies.
FAQ
Q: What makes Jeremiyah Love a “three-down” back?
A: He excels in rushing, receiving, and pass blocking, making him valuable on all three downs.
Q: Who did Robert Saleh compare Love to?
A: He mentioned Christian McCaffrey and Jahmyr Gibbs as examples of similar players.
Q: What awards did Love win in 2025?
A: He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and won the Doak Walker Award.
Q: What is the Titans’ current running back situation?
A: They have Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Kalel Mullings under contract, with Julius Chestnut becoming a free agent.
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