While Carnell Tate is viewed as a talented wide receiver prospect, his selection by the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 overall came with mixed reactions. Some love the selection, others believe Tennessee should have gone in another direction with the pick. On Friday, head coach Robert Saleh revealed the organization’s rationale behind the controversial decision.
While talking with media members at Carnell Tate’s and Kendrick Faulk’s introductory press conference, Saleh claimed that the Titans had quarterback Cam Ward in mind when drafting the 22-year-old wide receiver. The club wanted to give Ward a talented weapon in the passing game and felt Tate was the obvious choice in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Not to say it’s the most important piece, but he’s a pretty damn important piece, and that’s the quarterback,” said Saleh. “Doing everything we can to help [Ward] and surround him with players who can get the ball in their hands and go score. Carnell is obviously, he was by far the top receiver on our board. So, when we got to [pick] No. 4, it was a very easy decision to make.”
“Carnell was by far the top receiver on our board so when we got to four it was a very easy decision” pic.twitter.com/8ShvooIHAH
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 24, 2026
The wide receiver room in Tennessee last season was nothing to gloat about. Calvin Ridley was out with a string of injuries and wasn’t all that productive even when he was on the field. Ward mainly relied on Elic Ayomanor and Chimre Dike, two fourth-round rookie picks last year, who combined for just 938 receiving yards. Outside of those three, the Titans relied on several players whose talent level is comparable to the practice squad.
But things are looking different for Cam Ward and the Titans for next season. After signing Wan’Dale Robinson to a four-year, $70 million contract and drafting Carnell Tate, the talent in the wide receiver room takes a notable jump in improvement.
Tate joins the Titans with 39 games played during his time at Ohio State. He ended his collegiate career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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