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3w ago

Titans Make Carnell Tate Their Primary X Receiver to Accelerate Cam Ward

Team leaders and independent metrics point to Tate’s contested‑catch skills and early OTA chemistry as the reason he could become Tennessee’s go‑to downfield threat.

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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate (WO37) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Tennessee used the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Carnell Tate on April 23, signaling a clear plan to give 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward a top downfield target.
  • General manager Dave Ziegler and coach Robert Saleh said the choice was a consensus, with staff and coaches viewing Tate as an obvious fit for Brian Daboll’s offense.
  • Tate has drawn praise in late‑May OTAs for making contested catches and hauling in a reported 50‑plus yard touchdown from Ward during a team period, a play that reinforced early chemistry between the two.
  • Third‑party analytics and scouting reports from Sports Info Solutions and Pro Football Focus rate Tate as pro‑ready, citing high positive‑play percentages and an 85.7 percent contested‑catch rate in 2025.
  • Key questions remain about how OTA flashes will translate to the regular season, including target distribution with addition Wan'Dale Robinson, pass protection for Ward, and Tate’s durability under press coverage.