ESPN Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. Unveils 2026 NFL Draft Projections for Tennessee Titans
In a recent release of his 2026 NFL Mock Draft predictions, ESPN's renowned analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has forecasted the Tennessee Titans to make strategic picks in the first and second rounds. According to Kiper, the Titans are projected to draft Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round and UCF Knights outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence in the second round. This analysis comes as the Titans look to bolster their roster following the offseason trade of EDGE Jermaine Johnson, which has left a potential gap in edge rushing that Lawrence could help fill.
Jeremiyah Love: A Potential Game-Changer for Titans' Offense
Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that Jeremiyah Love could become the RB1 for the Tennessee Titans, ranking ahead of current running backs Michael Carter, Tony Pollard, and Tyjae Spears. Love's playmaking style has drawn comparisons to elite NFL running backs, notably Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who was the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Analysts suggest that Love, with his exceptional skills, could be selected within the Top 5 picks of the 2026 draft. The New York Giants, holding the 5th overall pick, have also been linked to Love, but the Titans, with the 4th overall pick, present a strong alternative, especially with quarterback Cam Ward potentially leading the franchise.
Love's ability to "put a jolt" into the Titans' offense is highlighted, with expectations that he could turn routine carries into long touchdowns, similar to performances by Barkley and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson. His top speed is a key asset, evidenced by a 40-yard dash time of 4.36 seconds, and he has a proven tendency to "break off game-changing carries." According to Daire Carragher of Pro Football Focus, Love had 248 career handoffs where a 40-yard carry was feasibly possible, and he broke off 12 carries of 40-plus yards, equivalent to one in every 21 handoffs. This statistic places him ahead of Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, who had one in every 26 handoffs, and even surpasses Barkley in this regard, making Love the fastest and most likely to achieve huge gains.
Comprehensive Skills and Analyst Comparisons
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah emphasizes that Jeremiyah Love is a complete back, capable of excelling in both running and passing games, which sets him apart from other prospects. While Jeremiah may not directly compare Love to Saquon Barkley, he places him in conversations similar to those for Bijan Robinson. Love has been graded higher than Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs by analysts, who describe him as extremely talented, explosive, and physical, standing at 6 feet and 212 pounds. His versatility and playmaking potential make him a valuable asset for any team, particularly the Titans as they seek to enhance their offensive dynamics.
Fit Within Titans' System and Coaching Staff
Former Las Vegas GM Mike Mayock believes Love is an ideal fit for the Tennessee Titans, citing the team's offensive setup under quarterback Cam Ward and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who is known for his effective running strategies. Mayock also notes that head coach Robert Saleh, despite his defensive background, comes from a system in San Francisco that emphasizes running the ball, wide zone plays, and play action, all of which align perfectly with Love's skill set. This synergy could make Love a seamless addition to the Titans' roster, potentially transforming their ground game.
In the 2025 season, Jeremiyah Love recorded impressive stats with 1,372 rushing yards for 18 touchdowns, along with 27 catches for 280 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist, though he finished third in the voting, with the award going to Las Vegas Raiders projected QB Fernando Mendoza, an Indiana Hoosiers alum. These achievements underscore Love's readiness for the NFL and his potential impact on a team like the Titans.
Uncertainty and Future Considerations
While Mel Kiper Jr.'s projections provide a compelling outlook, whether the Tennessee Titans will ultimately draft Jeremiyah Love remains to be seen. The team's decision will depend on various factors, including draft day dynamics and strategic evaluations. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see if these predictions come to fruition, potentially shaping the future of the Titans' offense and defense with these promising young talents.
