PHOENIX – Titans head coach Robert Saleh is looking for game changers in the NFL Draft, no matter the position.
And, here at the NFL Owners Meetings, he offered a quick reminder that playmakers, and game changers, don't just play offense.
"Edge rushers are playmakers, too," Saleh said. "When you are drafting that high … you are looking at: Who can change the game in one play? And, edge rushers can change the game in one play. (Jeremiyah) Love is a very talented young man and he can change it in one play. There's receivers who can change it in one play.
"Right now, we need guys and we need to develop guys currently on our roster who can change the game in one play and when you are looking at all these guys from a consistency standpoint, who can flip the game on its head? Edge rushers can close it, and skill guys can end it."
Since taking over as head coach of the Titans, Saleh has regularly deferred to General Manager Mike Borgonzi when discussing NFL Draft decisions.
But Saleh is involved in the process, and he has a voice as the franchise aims to reshape the team while changing the fortunes of the franchise.
One day after Borgonzi created plenty of draft speculation by saying the team plans to take the "best available player" with the fourth overall pick, Saleh discussed the importance of adding a game-changing player early.
And, he said, that could be at a number of positions. In addition to Love, top edge prospects David Bailey, Arvell Reese and Reuben Bain have all made 30 visits to the Titans. All four of those players are projected to go early in the draft, so it remains to be seen which players could be available when the Titans pick in the first round.
All of them are intriguing, for one reason or another.
"Through my lens," Saleh said, "whether you call it playmaker or not, I think more game changer."
As for the Titans current running back room, Saleh said he likes the guys returning. The group includes Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Kalel Mullings and Julius Chestnut.
Borgonzi and Saleh have both been complimentary of Notre Dame's Love during the draft process as well.
"I love our backfield, I love our running back room right now," Saleh said. "Shoot, Pollard dropped over 100 on us (last season) so I think he's pretty good," said the former 49ers defensive coordinator. "And then (Tyjae) Spears has tremendous versatility as a three-down back and they both play with a physical mindset. … I'm a believer in our backfield and I think it's a group that can help our team.
"I look at our running back room as one of the better ones in football."
