The NFL is a never-ending evolving league, with different trends coming to light that teams are constantly trying to catch up to. When it comes to the offense, there are a ton of variables to throw into the mix. The Tennessee Titans may not have their “solidified” franchise quarterback, but Cam Ward exemplified qualities that could easily buy him the trust from this new coaching staff moving forward.
Even though it was Mike Borgonzi that drafted Ward last year, Ward will now need to show this new coaching regime what he can bring to the table. But obviously, the Titans needed to give him a fighting chance by bringing in weapons for him.
The free agency signing of Wan’Dale Robinson should give Ward that immediate security blanket in crucial moments during a drive, but Tennessee was still lacking a true No. 1. That all changed when the Titans spent the fourth overall pick on Carnell Tate out of Ohio State.
Titans fans shouldn't be surprised to see Carnell Tate facing immediate pressure to perform in Tennessee
While fans will say that Tate was never the true No. 1 in Ohio State’s offense, he is exactly what Tennessee needs in order for this offense to be elevated. He has the ability to take the top off the defense, and quite frankly, he is a dangerous and nuanced route runner.
Gennaro Filice from NFL.com listed Tate as one of the 12 NFL rookies who face pressure to succeed in their first year.
"A surprising selection in the moment, Tate is a downfield acrobat with a big catch radius -- the kind of target who should foster Ward’s full-field arm talent. If Ohio State’s latest first-round receiver can pop the top off the defense, free-agent addition Wan'Dale Robinson will have plenty of room to do his catch-and-run thing underneath, while Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor will get more space for growth in Year 2." said Filice.
Being a first-round pick in the draft already comes with pressure. Being drafted in the opening five selections brings immediate pressure. A team is investing a high pick and top rookie money into a player, and results are expected to be produced immediately.
Tate has to come into Nashville and show fans why Tennessee decided to choose him over someone like Arvell Reese, who went one pick later to the New York Giants. He has the talent, and now he has a promising rising quarterback along with one of the best offensive playcallers in Brian Daboll. Tate is set up for success, now he just needs to show it.
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