After the first trio of picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans were left without a heavily-rumored option in running back Jeremiyah Love, but Mike Borgonzi didn't flinch.
The Titans made an easy decision by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate to come in and very likely become Cam Ward's favorite target in a hurry. We knew Tate was a possibility if Love wasn't on the board, and that's exactly who it wound up being.
One of FanSided's top draft experts, Marcus Mosher, had a chance to react immediately to the pick in real time. Here is what he told me -- and Titans fans, you're going to be ecstatic:
"Tate was the second fiddle at Ohio State, playing alongside Jeremiah Smith. And while his overall production isn't outstanding, he's everything you would want an X-receiver.
"Tate can run every single route and doesn't drop the football. He can make plays deep and can play all three receiver spots. He is an easy first-round WR and should be ready to contribute right away," Mosher finished.
Carnell Tate was the no-brainer pick for Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans' offense
If not Love, then the Titans definitely needed to give Ward a prolific pass catcher. Adding Wan'Dale Robinson to a core that didn't really feature a standout name was a start, but Tate now gives Ward a legitimate no. 1 option.
This was about as safe as a pick as the Titans could have made at no. 4 overall. Sure, you could have gone with one of the top defensive prospects. But, it was very clear that Mike Borgonzi needed and desperately wanted to give his franchise quarterback a top-flight weapon.
And that's what he did.
Last season with the Buckeyes, Tate tallied precisely zero drops -- yes, you read that correctly. He did not drop a single pass.
That is the mold of a receiver you need to give your franchise quarterback. Giving Ward a weapon who will not drop the football is very similar to a basketball player beginning to sink a few shots. Once you see the ball go in a few times in a row, that confidence starts growing.
If anything, Tate is a massive confidence boost for Ward. And, not only does he not drop the football, but Tate can run absolutely any route in the book. That's what makes him such a sneaky weapon.
Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson could be described as being more flashy, yes. But, Tate comes in as the guy who is an immediate pro, and right off the bat.
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