Sports Illustrated mocks big-time trade for Titans during NFL Draft

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 29: Jeremiyah Love #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the third quarter at Stanford Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Everyone and their cousin is releasing their final 2026 NFL mock drafts. Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr dropped his on Tuesday morning. Orr has the Tennessee Titans making quite the move.

In Orr’s projection, the Titans trade down from No. 4 overall despite Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love being on the board. The Titans go all the way down to No. 13, with the Los Angeles Rams acquiring the fourth pick to nab… Jeremiyah Love.

The Titans receive quite the haul for Love, with the Rams parting with Nos. 13, 61, 93 and a 2027 first-round pick; Rams receive Nos. 4 and 101. The Titans would possess four picks in Rounds 2 and 3 in this scenario, and an extra 2027 first.

We do however take quite the objection with the final line in Orr’s blurb. “The Titans may like the idea of having a 2027 chip to play with if the new coaching staff decides Cam Ward isn’t the long-term answer.”

At No. 13 overall, the Titans end up with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. Trading down that far ensures the Titans would miss out on even second-wave prospects like Rueben Bain Jr., , Carnell Tate, and (not to mention Love, David Bailey, and Arvell Reese). Lemon would be a good consolation prize, given all the extra picks acquired in 2026 and 2027. Lemon is a savvy route runner and pro-ready receiver whose selection would invest in ’s development at quarterback.