The consensus opinion heading into the NFL Scouting Combine was that the Tennessee Titans will use this as an opportunity to rank the three top EDGEs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain are certainly getting a lot of attention from the Titans, the team is also doing its due diligence on the other top names in the draft.
Considering Mike Borgonzi's stated preference for spending premium picks on players at premium positions, Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love are probably not going to land in Nashville. However, there is one other player at a premium position that consistently finds himself near the top of draft boards: Carnell Tate.
Titans could prioritize Cam Ward's development by taking Carnell Tate in 2026 NFL Draft
The wide receiver from Ohio State doesn't have eye-popping stats, but anyone who watched him knows that he is a smooth receiver who was productive as a deep threat. The thing that prevents him from being a true-blue-chip prospect is his apparent lack of burst after the catch, which is so necessary for YAC plays in the NFL.
Tate ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. While it was an acceptable time, it didn't blow anyone away. That speed would emphasize that he can continue to be a big-play threat in the NFL because he could stack cornerbacks and beat them when the ball was in the air, even if he isn't going to be a guy who can catch a three-yard slant and take it to the house.
Don't forget, it is rumor season in the NFL, which means that GMs and agents are discussing free agency and feeling each other out. If the Titans get the sense that none of the good wide receivers are going to hit the market, then they may decide to pivot and lean on free agency to fill the holes at EDGE and cornerback.
If that happens, this draft is strong enough for the Titans to select Tate with the fourth pick and then come back for another player on Day 2 if they have a great plan to maximize their options on Day 3.
EDGE should still be the heavy favorite to be the fourth overall pick, but fans who are desperate to see the Titans surround Cam Ward with weapons would be thrilled to see a playmaker like Tate land with the team.