The NFL is currently on break until the start of training camp in late July, so it’s time to reflect on the first half of the offseason. ESPN’s NFL reporters did that in a recent piece, checking in on all the first-round picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.
For the Tennessee Titans, it was clear that Carnell Tate has been exactly what the franchise was hoping for. Selecting Tate fourth overall, the team clearly expects him to be an elite No. 1 receiver. Of course, time will tell if that’s the case, but the rookie wideout is off to a start that has Tennessee believing that will ultimately happen.
Titans reporter Turron Davenport explained how Tate was a standout in OTAs, impressing with his route running and consistent catching. Davenport highlighted a quote from veteran corner Alontae Taylor to emphasize how excited the team has been about Tate.
Taylor said Tate was “polished,” before expressing, “For a rookie to come in, doing some of the things that he's doing is really, really exciting. Come Sundays, he's going to be very exciting to watch.”
Alontae Taylor says Carnell Tate will be exciting to watch for Titans
Again, it’s still incredibly early but this is exactly the kind of early returns a team would want for a receiver drafted so high. While fans haven’t been able to see much of Tate, it makes sense that a veteran defender like Taylor would have this level of praise for the rookie.
From the few open practices, to the social media clips put out by the Titans, Tate appears to be a sure-handed receiver who knows how to create separation. Additionally, he already seems to have a good rapport with quarterback Cam Ward.
If all of these things from Tate continue into training camp and the regular season, he could completely transform Tennessee’s offense. While there were a lot of issues with the Titans’ offense last season, one of the biggest problems was drops and wide receiver play.
Tennessee’s wideouts weren’t consistent enough for Ward, and that’s why the team was motivated to sign Wan’Dale Robinson and draft Carnell Tate so early. It already seems like things are paying off.
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