Why the Titans drafting Carnell Tate was the wrong move
The Titans shockingly picked Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the no. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Here's why it was a rough move.
The Tennessee Titans shocked everybody in the NFL by selecting Carnell Tate with the No. 4 selection in the 2026 NFL draft . A lot of people figured the Titans would draft defense, with that being head coach Robert Saleh’s speciality.
More: 2026 NFL Draft tracker & results, full list of first-round picks Tate was a key piece of Ohio State’s passing attack throughout the past two seasons. Even with Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith stealing the show in 2024, Tate racked up 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. In 2025, Tate caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, still losing targets to Smith.
Still, it was strange that the Titans drafted him No. 4 overall The Titans needed a pass rusher Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) looks on during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Titans desperately needed an edge rusher entering the draft. The Titans had the no. 13 most sacks in the league, but that was mostly due to Jeffrey Simmons earning 11 sacks last season.