2026 NFL Mock Draft Shocker: Why the Tennessee Titans' Bold Running Back Pick Could Change Everything

Love ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL combine as well as a 1.55 sec 10-yard split. Taking Love with this pick will instantly help out last year’s first overall pick, Cam Ward and take some of the pressure off of the young signal caller. Having a potent and dangerous running game will only help Ward, and knowing he has a reliable and formidable receiver to check the ball down to should aid in his growth and efficiency. Picking this high in the draft, teams feel pressure to nail the “right pick” and often times overthink or overcomplicate the process. Taking the best player available will allow Tennessee to really support Cam Ward and get things moving in the right direction.

Arguments Against Love

A major argument against picking Love is the RB position and its value. Many will point to the fact that it is possible to draft an RB later in the draft who can contribute meaningfully and play well as a reason to not invest a high draft pick in one. While this can be true, and the position is valued extremely differently than it has been in the A major argument against picking Love is the RB position and its value. Many will point to the fact that it is possible to draft an RB later in the draft who can contribute meaningfully and play well as a reason to not invest a high draft pick in one. While this can be true, and the position is valued extremely differently than it has been in the past, most later prospects simply aren’t true game changers. While they can pitch in, they usually aren’t going to impact a game and challenge a defensive coordinator the same as someone with an elite skillset, which Love has. While Tony Pollard has been solid for the Titans, and many still believe in the potential of Tyjae Spears, they both lack the high-end skill-set that Love can bring day one, a skill-set that will help take some of the focus off of Cam Ward and force teams to now deal with two legit weapons.

Some may point to the large payday Love will seek if he truly does perform well for his rookie contract, but my opinion is if he’s a game-changer and has been helping you win games, pay the man. Of course, different positions command more money than others,but if any pick at #4 works out well for them the Titans will need to pay someone or lose them. They have invested considerable money into retooling their defense over the offseason, it’s time to address the offense.