The news of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore returning to school next season may have a huge impact in this year’s NFL Draft, which could affect the Tennessee Titans for better or worse. Right now, the Titans hold the 4th overall pick behind the Raiders, Jets, and Cardinals.
There are many directions that the Titans could take because they just need to add overall talent. Now, depending on what Mike Borgonzi wants to do, the Titans could either boost up their defense or find a player to help best support Cam Ward on the offense. Borgonzi should be able to bring in an impactful player either way.
Ward was sacked 55 times last season, so you could make the argument that need to provide protection early on for Ward. At the same time, the Titans need to find a true No. 1 wide receiver for Ward.
Carnell Tate would be immediate upgrade for Titans' offense and Cam Ward
No Titans receiver had more than four touchdowns and the leading receiver was tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo with 560 yards. The Titans need to land Ward an upgrade on the outside and Dane Brugler from The Athletic (subscription required) put together a latest mock draft that gives Ward an immediate go-to receiver that he can grow with.
In Brugler’s mock draft, the Titans take Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate and it would be a huge boost for Tennessee’s offense.
“He [Tate] is productive in short-to-intermediate areas with his route precision and ball skills, and truly shines as a vertical ball-winner because of his pacing and tracking skills.” wrote Brugler.
In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Tate had 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns which included nine this past season. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and had four games of over 100 yards through the air.
Part of developing a quarterback is not just protecting him upfront, but also giving him the weapons he needs to throw the ball down the field. When you look at some of these quarterbacks that are some of the best in the league, it’s because they had a solid receiving core around them.
While Tennessee’s rebuild might take some time, if they can land a solid go-to receiver that can grow with Ward it will be just the beginning of something great that the Titans are building.