Titans Could Shock Everyone With the No. 4 Overall Pick

Holding the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans have many options at their disposal.

They could take an elite pass-rusher if either Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey fall out of the top three.

The scenario most believe will happen is the Titans grab Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who would make a perfect backfield mate for 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward for the next decade or more.

But what happens if most of those players are gone before Tennessee is on the clock?

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Pater Schrager has the New York Jets taking Bailey No. 2 overall and the Arizona Cardinals grabbing Love No. 3. With Reese still on the board, Schrager has the Titans going against the grain and passing on a player many have called "the next Micah Parsons" to take his Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles.

"It would be hard for the Titans to not take Reese if he’s still available, considering their need at edge-rusher," Scharger wrote. "But it’d also be hard for coach Robert Saleh to leave Styles on the board.

"He is seen as a near guarantee with exciting traits. And remember that Saleh loved having Fred Warner in his defense in San Francisco. Tennessee wants franchise cornerstones, and Styles can be just that."

Styles would be an ideal fit in new head coach Robert Saleh's defensive scheme.

Some around the Titans have speculated the team views Styles as having the potential to be the Fred Warner of their defense.

A first-team All-American and second-team All-Big Ten selection, Styles logged 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. He finished his college career with 244 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Saleh's defenses operate most efficiently with a strong Mike LB quarterbacking the unit, and Styles fits that description perfectly.

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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 11:07 PM.