The fluorescent lights of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis hummed, reflecting off the polished shoes of hopefuls and the scrutinizing eyes of NFL scouts. It’s Combine season, a yearly ritual of athletic measurement and calculated ambiguity. But this year, amidst the predictable buzz around quarterbacks and pass rushers, a different name is echoing through the hallways: Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame running back, and a rumor so bold it’s shaking up draft predictions. It’s not just the whispers, but the source – and what it reveals about the Titans’ strategy, and the evolving value of the running back position itself.
A Calculated Leak or Genuine Obsession?
Mike Borgonzi, general manager of the Tennessee Titans, arrived at the Combine with a sizable scouting team, ostensibly focused on edge rushers and wide receivers – the positions most analysts expected the team to address with their fourth-overall pick. Yet, conversations with Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh kept circling back to Love, described as possessing an “elite skill set” and drawing comparisons to the league’s top backs. This alone isn’t unusual; teams often publicly hype prospects to drive up trade value or mislead competitors. But then Matthew Berry of NBC Sports, a figure known for his sharp analysis and plugged-in sources, dropped a bomb: “The rumor I heard last night… the Titans think Jeremiyah Love is the best player in the draft.” Berry’s statement isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a deliberate escalation, a signal that this isn’t just Combine chatter.
See the original Yahoo Sports story for the full account.
The timing is crucial. The Titans are navigating a tricky roster situation. While running back appears stable with Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Kalel Mullings under contract through 2026, rumors persist that Pollard, signed last year to a one-year deal, could be a cap casualty. Cutting Pollard would save the team roughly $4 million, but doing so before the draft would telegraph their intentions, potentially driving up the price for Love or alerting other teams to their desperation. Borgonzi, by all accounts, is a shrewd negotiator, and the carefully controlled flow of information suggests a deliberate strategy.
The Running Back Renaissance?
The idea that a running back could be considered the best player in the draft feels…anachronistic. For years, the NFL has trended towards a pass-heavy league, devaluing the traditional workhorse back. The 2024 draft class is particularly strong at premium positions like quarterback and offensive tackle, where a single player can dramatically alter a franchise’s trajectory. Yet, the Titans’ apparent infatuation with Love challenges this narrative. Is this a sign that teams are re-evaluating the importance of a dominant running game in a league increasingly focused on efficiency and explosive plays?
Consider the recent success of teams like the Baltimore Ravens, built around a powerful rushing attack led by Lamar Jackson and a committee of talented backs. Or the San Francisco 49ers, who consistently contend for championships with a versatile running scheme. Perhaps the Titans, under Saleh, are betting that a truly exceptional running back can be a foundational piece, even in a pass-first era. The average draft position for running backs has steadily declined over the past decade, with fewer and fewer selected in the first round. To spend the fourth overall pick on Love would be a significant departure from this trend, a statement about the Titans’ offensive philosophy.
Beyond the 40-Yard Dash: The Value of Intangibles
What makes Love so compelling? It’s not just the measurable stats – though his combine performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized. It’s the reports of his exceptional vision, his ability to break tackles, and his pass-catching prowess. Scouts rave about his “elite skill set,” a vague but telling phrase that suggests a rare combination of physical attributes and football intelligence. But beyond the physical, there’s a growing recognition of the intangible qualities that separate good running backs from great ones: leadership, work ethic, and the ability to elevate the play of those around them.
The Titans’ situation is unique. They’ve spent the last few years rebuilding, accumulating draft capital and searching for an identity. A player like Love, a potential cornerstone of the offense, could be the catalyst they need to accelerate that process. However, the risk is substantial. Missing on a top-four pick can set a franchise back years, and the pressure on Borgonzi to make the right decision will be immense.
The Future of Draft Strategy
The Titans’ potential pursuit of Jeremiyah Love isn’t just about one player or one team. It’s a bellwether for the future of draft strategy in the NFL. Will other teams follow suit, recognizing the value of a dominant running game? Or will the league continue to prioritize quarterbacks and pass rushers, relegating the running back position to a secondary concern? The next few weeks will be critical. We’ll be watching closely to see if the Titans’ interest in Love is genuine, and if other teams begin to shift their evaluations accordingly. But more importantly, we’ll be watching to see if this signals a broader re-evaluation of what it takes to win in the modern NFL – and whether the running back, once the king of the gridiron, is poised for a surprising renaissance.
