There have been just three running backs taken in the top five of the NFL draft since 2013.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love could be the fourth.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport reported Wednesday that Love “ranks highly” on the Tennessee Titans’ draft board, which is notable since the AFC South team has the No. 4 pick. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi also didn’t hide his thoughts on Love during the NFL Scouting Combine.
“Anytime you can get a running back like that, especially a three-down running back, that can play in the pass game as well and be able to take over a game, you’ve seen guys in the league now that can do that,” Borgonzi said. “[Jahmyr Gibbs] is an example in Detroit who can run in between the tackles. He’s a game changer, and you can line him up outside, you can use him as a receiver.
“I think this guy in the draft, Jeremiyah [Love], does that as well.”
Gibbs is a notable comparison since Love matched his 4.36-second time in the 40-yard dash and can do a little bit of everything just like the Detroit Lions star. Davenport noted he even participated in some of the wide receiver drills at the combine “to further show his versatility.”
Love was an All-American who finished in third place in Heisman Trophy voting for the Fighting Irish last season.
He posted 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground to go with 280 yards and three scores as a receiver while sharing the backfield with Jadarian Price.
Love might have to share the backfield with Tony Pollard if the Titans do draft him, although the veteran is entering the final year of his contract. Davenport pointed out Tennessee could save $7.25 million by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation, adding another variable to the running back situation.
B/R’s Scouting Department projected the Titans to select Sonny Styles in its most recent mock draft after the Ohio State linebacker also dominated the combine.
Love went to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9 overall in the projections.
Patrick Mahomes and Love playing in the same offense for years to come could be a scary thought for the rest of the league, although Tennessee would give its own franchise quarterback in Cam Ward another offensive weapon if it decides to go with the Notre Dame running back in the top five.