The Tennessee Titans caused a stir in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. This marks a trend with six Buckeye receivers taken in the first round over the past five years. Tate鈥檚 stats included 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons. Analysts question how Tate will adapt to the challenges of being a top receiver in the NFL, given he wasn't the primary option at Ohio State. He will now team up with the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, Titans quarterback Cam Ward.

By the Numbers
  • Carnell Tate recorded 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns at Ohio State.
  • He caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season, alongside future NFL talent Jeremiah Smith.
Yes, But

While Tate's selection is exciting, there are concerns regarding his ability to perform as a number one receiver since he has not previously held that role in college, facing defenses specifically targeting him.

State of Play
  • The Titans are looking to revamp their receiving corps with this high-profile pick.
  • Analysts emphasize the pressure on Tate to transition from a secondary role to a primary pass-catching option.
What's Next

Tate's success will depend on his ability to adjust to the NFL and develop chemistry with quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans鈥� offensive strategy may also evolve to maximize Tate's skills as a top receiver.

Bottom Line

The Titans' choice of Carnell Tate reflects their commitment to enhancing their offense, but his readiness to become a leading receiver will be crucial for the team's future success.