It was widely expected that the Tennessee Titans would use the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a defensive player. After all, they hired Robert Saleh as head coach, hoping that he can help turn the franchise’s fortunes around.
However, in a surprise move, Tennessee went for wide receiver Carnell Tate in a move that raised more than a few eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Tennessee Titans Draft Carnell Tate in Surprise Move
SiriusXM and Fox Sports’ Geoff Schwartz called the pick the 2026 draft’s “first major surprise.” It’s not a long reach for the Titans, though, considering that Tate ranks eighth in the Pro Football & Sports Network’s Big Board. He also had an average draft position of 6.5 in the PFSN NFL Mock Draft Simulator and 7.5 in the Mock Draft Tracker. The Industry Consensus Board projected Tate going 10th to 18th.
David Furones, Miami Dolphins beat reporter for the Sun Sentinel, alluded to Schwartz’s statement. However, he did point out that “Cam Ward gets his No. 1 WR.” It’s a thought that NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared via a tweet.
While Ward was Tennessee’s first overall selection last year, he struggled on an offense that lacked explosiveness, which ultimately led to a 3-14 finish. Elic Ayomanor had the most receiving yards (515) among wideouts and second among all receivers.
Tate finished his final season at Ohio State with 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. Those are solid numbers, considering that he lined up with sensational wideout Jeremiah Smith. If Tate pans out, he will help a struggling offense that finished 31st in total yards (259.6) and 30th in passing yards (166.1) per game last season.
Easton Freeze, Titans beat writer for A to Z Sports, reacted, “HAHAHAHAHA I DON’T HATE ITTTTT.” The pick could have gone several ways, but this selection will help Brian Daboll elevate Tennessee’s offense.
Finally, Warren Sharp shared his thoughts by tweeting, “The Titans if they didn’t draft Carnell Tate was VERY soft…and their TE1 is Gunnar Helm.” Chig Okonkwo, the team’s leading receiver last season with 560 yards, is already with the Washington Commanders.
The Tennessee Titans will hope that Carnell Tate will be the next great Buckeye wide receiver, following the likes of Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Cris Carter, Michael Thomas, Emeka Egbuka, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. In addition to carrying the Ohio State legacy in the NFL, Tate also carried his family legacy on stage in Pittsburgh, paying tribute to his late mother through his draft-day outfit.
