NASHVILLE – ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft on Wednesday, and this one includes picks in the first two rounds.
Kiper said he’s made these predictions “leaning on team needs, evaluations and what I’m hearing in conversations with execs, coaches and scouts around the NFL.”
Kiper has the Titans taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 in next week’s NFL Draft.
Will the Titans take the plunge? We haven’t seen a running back go this early since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 eight years ago, but Love has the goods to come off the board in the top five. And while the case could easily be made that Tennessee has other, more important holes to fill on its roster, it’d be a mistake to look at Love solely as a traditional running back. He’s a playmaker who can put a jolt in the Titans’ offense in the backfield with quarterback Cam Ward. Love will break free for home runs, he will haul in tough catches when flexed outside, and he will power over defenders to extend drives.
With both of the top edge rushers off the board, we could see a new No. 1 running back ahead of Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears and Michael Carter in Tennessee.
In the second round, at pick No.35, Kiper gave the Titans UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence.
Here’s what he said about that pick:
There’s certainly a chance Lawrence is off the board before Round 2 — he has risen the board quickly over the past month or so. He had seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season, showcasing real closing speed. Tennessee still has a need for edge rushing help, even after trading for Jermaine Johnson.
The NFL Draft kicks off next Thursday in Pittsburgh.
