The Tennessee Titans turned quite a few heads on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft when they turned the card in at No. 4 overall with Carnell Tate's name on it. But Cam Ward needs as many weapons as possible to make a big Year 2 leap, and Tate was the best pass-catcher in the entire class.
And expectations are high for the former Ohio State Buckeye. Understandably so, as even though he'll be splitting touches with Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard, Tate will be the top target in the passing game that Brian Daboll is designing.
Between that and being such a high selection, Tate has a lot on his shoulders heading into the 2026 NFL season. But the young wide receiver certainly isn't lacking in confidence. NFL Network stopped by Tennessee training camp on Thursday and asked Tate who his NFL player comparison is.
His answer? Davante Adams.
Titans rookie WR Carnell Tate sees himself in future HOF Davante Adams
Yes, Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time single-season NFL touchdown receptions leader. That Adams, who is almost certain to have a gold jacket and a bust in Canton, Ohio, when his playing career is over.
"Probably say 'Tae Adams," Tate said. "He's done it at an elite level. He's one of the best. And he's continuing to go out there and prove it."
Comparing yourself to an all-time great is already something for Titans fans to get excited about. But Kurt Warner and Daniel Jeremiah sitting on the set and agreeing with him is another vote of confidence for the youngster, who wears No. 17 in part because of Adams.
Now, part of what makes this comparison interesting is that Tate didn't exactly get compared to Adams all that much, if at all, during the pre-draft process. People said he played like Devonta Smith, Chris Olave, Tee Higgins or even George Pickens. But Adams is a different player at another level.
Obviously, Adams' release is among the best, if not the best, in NFL history. That is something that Tate is unlikely to ever replicate. But if the Titans' young wideout can continue to dazzle with his route-running and have a nose for the endzone in the NFL, he'll be close enough to Adams to celebrate.
Confidence is a great thing for young players, and wide receivers certainly don't run short on that, especially the best. Tate has billed himself pretty highly here in the early going before ever playing a snap, but Tennessee fans should rally behind his aplomb.
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