The Tennessee Titans had a bunch of different ways they could’ve gone with the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Most experts projected them to go defense with either Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles, but the Titans decided to pick Carnell Tate and get a No. 1 receiver for Cam Ward.
Tennessee wasn’t done, trading back into the first round to address that need on defense. However, there are still some critics of this draft class that say Tennessee should’ve added a blue-chip talent on defense in the top five.
So, did the Titans make the right move by picking Tate instead of Reese, Styles or someone else? Let’s break down that pick along with the rest and give out some grades.
Round 1, Pick 4: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Grade: A-
Defense was the presumed pick at No. 4 for the Titans, especially when Arvell Reese fell past both the Jets and Cardinals. Given Robert Saleh’s track record with linebackers, Sonny Styles was also a possible target here, but Tennessee decided to go with Canrell Tate to add another weapon for Cam Ward.
Tate is a quarterback-friendly receiver. He is a smooth route-runner and elite at the catch point, making him one of the best overall prospects in this draft. Tennessee will be able to move Tate around the offense, as the Ohio State product showed that he can play both inside and outside during his time in college.
The process and intent behind this pick is an A+, but Tate isn’t quite the level of receiver prospect that usually gets picked in the top five. That docks the grade just a bit, but in a relatively weak class, this is a solid move by the Titans to get their draft class started.
Round 1, Pick 31: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Grade: B+
Faulk slipped a bit from where he was projected to be drafted during the college football season, in large part because his pass-rush production never quite matched up with his elite physical traits. However, he is a high-floor player who is already a very good run defender and should make an impact on early downs as a starter right away.
Faulk is also a perfect fit as a wide defensive end in Robert Saleh’s scheme. This is a safe pick that was worth trading into the first round for, and if the pass-rush bag ever comes around, it could be a home run.
Round 2, Pick 60: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
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Grade: A
Coming into the draft, Hill was viewed as the No. 2 or 3 linebacker in the class behind Sonny Styles, but he experienced a somewhat drastic fall to the end of the second round. Hill is big and physical, excellent when playing downhill as a blitzer or a run defender. He started for a very good Texas defense, so he has experience playing against high-level competition, and he should have a big role right away under a coach in Robert Saleh that has coached some great linebackers in his time. This is great value for the Titans at the end of Round 2.
Round 5, Pick 142: Fernando Carmona, OG, Arkansas
Grade: B+
Carmona started 49 games in college at multiple spots on the line, but he will be a guard in the NFL at his size. He is big, physical and should at the very least add a quality depth option to an offensive line that needs more bodies on the interior. This is a solid gamble on Day 3 for Tennessee.
Round 5, Pick 165: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
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Grade: A-
There was some buzz that the Titans may take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 4, but the Cardinals scooped him up at No. 3 instead. Despite missing out on the best back in the class, Tennessee still addressed its running back need with a good value pick in Round 5. Singleton is a powerful runner who has a bit of juice in the open field and should contribute in Tennessee’s backfield as a rookie.
Round 6, Pick 184: Jackie Marshall, DT, Baylor
Grade: B-
Robert Saleh has always liked to have a ton of depth on the defensive line, and he gets a pass-rushing defensive tackle to deploy on late downs from the interior. Marshall is a little light in the pants for an interior lineman in the NFL, but he has good quickness and should get some reps as a rookie.
Round 6, Pick 194: Pat Coogan, C, Indiana
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Grade: A+
Pat Coogan was one of the best centers in college football last season and was even named MVP of the Rose Bowl. He anchored an Indiana offensive line that was one of the best in the country all season, and led the Hoosiers all the way to a national championship. Coogan doesn’t have the athleticism of an elite center prospect, but he brings good size and a wealth of experience with a chance to start right away.
Round 7, Pick 225: Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma
Grade: B-
Kanak is unlikely to make an impact on the offense right away, but he is a good athlete that will have a chance to make an impact on special teams. If he does make the roster, Kanak can develop a role in the offense during his first few years in the league because of his physical tools.
The post Titans’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.
