(Image via Getty: Cam Ward and Saquon Barkley)
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently released 2026 NFL Draft predictions for first and second rounds. The analyst projected the Tennessee Titans to draft Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love in Round 1 and UCF Knights outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence in Round 2.The Titans traded EDGE Jermaine Johnson this offseason, but they may still need edge rushing help; that’s where Lawrence will aid. As for running back help, the analyst predicts Love will become the RB1 for Tennessee, ranking ahead of Michael Carter, Tony Pollard, and Tyjae Spears.Love’s playmaking style is similar to that of the Philadelphia Eagles top RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley went 2nd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft; the Notre Dame product could also be picked under the Top 5.The New York Giants have the 5th overall pick, and Love has been linked to them as well. However, the Titans hold the 4th overall pick, so it could be Cam Ward’s franchise too.
2026 NFL Mock Draft : Cam Ward’s Titans tied to Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
The elite playmaker could “put a jolt” into Titans’ offense in the backfield with QB Cam Ward and turn routine carries into long touchdowns, much like Barkley and Bijan Robinson [Atlanta Falcons RB]. Love’s top speed is undeniable [40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds], and he has a tendency to “break off game-changing carries.”
Daire Carragher of Pro Football Focus reports that Love had 248 career handoffs where a 40-yard carry was feasibly possible. He broke off 12 carries of 40-plus yards, equivalent to one in every 21 handoffs.The next best to him is Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, who had one in every 26 handoffs. Jeanty is followed by Barkley. Love emerges as the fastest and most likely to break off a huge gain.
Jeremiyah Love compared to Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah suggests that Tennessee could pick Jeremiyah Love because he is a complete back.
He can do everything. It’s his value and what he can do in the passing game that differentiates him.Jeremiah may not compare Love to Saquon Barkley, but the Notre Dame product comes up in the conversation of Bijan Robinson for the analyst.The analyst graded him higher than he did for Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs. The analyst calls him extremely talented and explosive, someone who would make big plays in the passing and running games.
It’s his physicality: he is a 6-foot, 212-pounder.
Titans prospect fits for Cam Ward, Brian Daboll, and Robert Saleh
Former Las Vegas GM Mike Mayock believes Love is perfect for Tennessee: “You’ve got [quarterback] Cam Ward, and [offensive coordinator] Brian Daboll also knows how to run the football. They’ve got another situation there that I like. [Head coach] Robert Saleh is really solid. Even though he’s a defensive guy, the system he comes out of in San Francisco is about running the ball, wide zone, play action.
I think [Jeremiyah] Love fits that to a T, and I love either of those situations for him.” The Notre Dame alum recorded 1,372 rushing yards for 18 touchdowns, and 27 catches for 280 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in 2025. He was named a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist, but finished third in the voting, and the award was won by Las Vegas Raiders projected QB Fernando Mendoza [Indiana Hoosiers alum].So, would Tennessee consider drafting Love? Remains to be seen…
