Mel Kiper gives Titans fans 2 reasons to smile in final NFL mock draft

Q: Who does Mel Kiper predict the Titans will draft with the No. 4 pick in 2026?

Mel Kiper predicts the Titans will draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick.

Q: What position does Malachi Lawrence play and when is he expected to be drafted?

Malachi Lawrence is an edge defender from UCF, and he is expected to be drafted by the Titans at No. 35 overall in the second round.

Q: Why does Mel Kiper believe Jeremiyah Love is a valuable pick for the Titans?

Kiper believes Love is valuable due to his breakaway ability and versatility, allowing him to be used in various formations.

Q: Which top edge rushers were already off the board in Kiper's mock draft?

In Kiper's mock draft, top edge rushers David Bailey and Arvell Reese were already selected by the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, respectively.

Mel Kiper gives Titans fans 2 reasons to smile in final NFL mock draft

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN's longtime NFL draft guru, gives Tennessee Titans fans two reasons to be happy in his final mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.

In a two-round mock draft offering for ESPN.com, Kiper once again forecasts the Titans will pick Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick in the first round, then he comes back and gives them UCF edge defender Malachi Lawrence in the second round, No. 35 overall.

Speaking about the Love pick, Kiper mentions a few rationales. First, he points to the obvious: top edge rushers David Bailey and Arvell Reese are already off the board in this mock draft, going to the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals respectively. Second, Kiper views Love as more than a standard running back investment, emphasizing Love's breakaway ability and versatility as an option who can be split out wide in certain formations.

Rally Kid Cora, who is fighting blood cancer, waves to the audience as she participates in the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Noah, who is beating blood cancer, performs a magic trick during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Photographs of children battling cancer are displayed on napkins at a table before the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Tennessee Titans player Jeffery Simmons talks with master of ceremonies Dawn Davenport of EPSN during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Former Tennessee Titans Blaine Bishop and Rally Kid Michael, who is fighting soft tissue cancer, pose during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Claire, who is battling solid tumor cancer, as she shows off her dress as Blair Durham claps during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Guest clap as Rally Kids show off their cloths during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Tennessee Titans player Nate Lynn spins Rally Kid Claire, who is battling solid tumor cancer, as she shows off her dress as Blair Durham claps during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Noah, who is beating blood cancer, dances with former Tennessee Titans Zach Pillar, left, and Titans running back Julius Chestnut during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Grace, who is beating solid tumor cancer, walks the runway with Tennessee Titans cheerleaders Kinley and Gabby during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Tennessee Titans player Jeffery Simmons carries Rally Kid Lizzie, who is beating bone cancer, on the runway during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Guest arrive before the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Harrison, who is fighting brain cancer, poses for the audience during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Gracie, who is beating blood cancer, shows off her dress as Tennessee Titans player K.J. Osborn, left, and former Tennessee Volunteer basketball player Ron Slay cheer during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Conner, who is beating blood cancer, waves his arms with Tennessee Titans player Solomon Thomas and former linebacker Keith Bullock during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Tennessee Titans majorette Chloe Holladay spins Rally Kid Hazel, who is surviving solid tumor cancer, as she shows off her dress during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Professional golfer Blades Brown bumps fists with Rally Kid Harrison, who is fighting brain cancer, as they participate in the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Michael, who is fighting soft tissue cancer, poses as former Tennessee Titans Blaine Bishop claps during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Hayes, who is beating solid tumor cancer, dances with Tennessee Titans player Cody Barton during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Conner, who is beating blood cancer, plays basketball with Tennessee Titans player Solomon Thomas before the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Cora, who is fighting blood cancer, walks the runway with Tennessee Titans mascot T-Rac and Jeffery Simmons as they participate in the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Gusts mingle before the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Conner, who is beating blood cancer, walks the runway with Tennessee Titans player Solomon Thomas and former linebacker Keith Bullock during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Grace, who is beating solid tumor cancer, spends time with Tennessee Titans cheerleaders Kinley and Gabby before the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Gracie, who is beating blood cancer, is joined by former Tennessee Volunteer basketball player Ron Slay, left, and Tennessee Titans player K.J. Osborn as she pretends to hit a baseball during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Guest cheer as they watch the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Hayes, who is beating solid tumor cancer, show off his cloths as Tennessee Titans player Cody Barton cheers during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Master of Ceremonies Dawn Davenport of EPSN, left, takes a selfie of the audience during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Noah, who is beating blood cancer, walks the runway with former Tennessee Titans Zach Pillar and Titans player Julius Chestnut during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Grace, who is beating solid tumor cancer, cheers with Tennessee Titans cheerleaders Kinley and Gabby during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Noah, who is beating blood cancer, shows his dance moves to Tennessee Titans player Jeffery Simmons before the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Founding Director Rally Tennessee Elaine Kay speaks during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Tennessee Titans player Truman Jones and majorette Chloe Holladay walk the runway with Rally Kid Hazel, who is surviving solid tumor cancer, during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kid Lizzie, who is beating bone cancer, dances in front of Tennessee Titans player Jeffery Simmons during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Master of Ceremonies Dawn Davenport of EPSN speaks during the Rally On The runway fashion Show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

Rally Kids stand on the runway during the Rally On The Runway fashion show at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The annual fashion show fundraiser, hosted by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, raises money for childhood cancer research.

1 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

1 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

2 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

3 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

4 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

5 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

6 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

7 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

8 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

9 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

10 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

11 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

12 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

13 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

14 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

15 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

16 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

17 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

18 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

19 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

20 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

21 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

22 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

23 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

24 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

25 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

26 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

27 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

28 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

29 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

30 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

31 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

32 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

33 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

34 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

35 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

36 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

37 / 37

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

As for Lawrence, Kiper has the Titans selecting him as a speed rush threat off the edge. Lawrence is the seventh pass rush specialist selected in Kiper's two-round mock, and someone who Kiper identifies as capable of filling the Titans' need opposite Jermaine Johnson II. Kiper, for what it's worth, correctly forecasted the Titans' decision to pick OLB Oluwafemi Oladejo in the second round last April.

An edge rusher like Lawrence is the Titans' primary need for the 2026 NFL Draft, though the Titans could also use starters at center and right guard and would benefit from adding a No. 1 receiver. Running back is a secondary need given the presences of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears on roster, but Love would undoubtedly be an upgrade at the spot who can help take pressure off second-year quarterback Cam Ward.

What picks to Tennessee Titans have in 2026 NFL Draft?

Round 1, pick 4
Round 2, pick 35
Round 3, pick 66
Round 4, pick 101
Round 5, pick 142
Round 5, pick 144
Round 6, pick 184
Round 6, pick 194
Round 7, pick 225

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mel Kiper pairs Titans with 2 instant starters in final ESPN NFL mock draft

Mel Kiper gives Titans fans 2 reasons to smile in final NFL mock draft

TL;DR

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

Tennessee Titans players join children battling cancer during Rally On The Runway fashion show

What picks to Tennessee Titans have in 2026 NFL Draft?

Q&A

Related Articles

Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further

Every first-round pick made by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst since 2018 (2026 update)

Alex Ovechkin 'pretty sure' he hasn't played his last game with Capitals

Texas hosting two top-10 prospects on Thursday

Subaru vs Hyundai Set For Showdown at 2026 Nürburgring 24h

Carlos Alcaraz forced to pull out of Barcelona Open as injury issues continue

More from Sports