Titans grab Tate as 1st WR off the board

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The Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft.

Tate is the first receiver taken in the 2026 draft.

The 21-year-old stood out in his three seasons at Ohio State. Lining up next to star Jeremiah Smith, Tate ranked second on the team in catches (51), receiving yards (875), and receiving touchdowns (nine) in 2025.

The Titans are focused on giving quarterback Cam Ward more weapons next season. Tennessee signed Wan'Dale Robinson to a four-year, $70-million contract in free agency, adding him to a wide receiver group that includes Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike, among others.

Tate's predraft profile

Tate is probably the safest pick among this year's receiver prospects. The Ohio State standout wins primarily by employing advanced route-running skills. His release package creates immediate advantages off the line of scrimmage, and he explodes in and out of his breaks with excellent short-area quickness for a player of his size. He's a proven finisher at the catch point, having capped off his college career with a drop-free junior season, according to PFF.

His strong hands and impressive body control allow him to rise up and get the best of defenders in contested-catch situations. Speed isn't his strong suit, and he's not the most dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. But those are relatively small gripes for a receiver who does essentially everything else at a high level. There are only so many targets who can both create consistent separation and win above the rim. Tate has true WR1 potential in the NFL.