Overview
- Tennessee used the No. 4 pick Thursday to draft Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, making him the first wide receiver chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- The Titans shifted to offense after Jeremiyah Love went No. 3, passing on highly touted Buckeye defenders Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles.
- Tate told new quarterback Cam Ward he is “a reliable target” who is “always open,” and he is expected to compete immediately for the WR1 role.
- Scouts praised his polished route running and contested-catch record despite questions about elite speed after a 4.53-second 40, and he logged 121 catches for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns at Ohio State.
- Under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Tate joins Wan’Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley on a unit that ranked 30th in passing yards last season, and early reaction ranged from strong analyst grades to vocal fan skepticism.