The Tennessee Titans are considered one of the biggest losers of the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Bucky Brooks. The team's controversial pick of wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall has raised eyebrows among analysts.
The 2026 NFL Draft is behind us, and teams are preparing to get a first look at their new draftees as rookie minicamps are about to take center stage.
For the Tennessee Titans, it will be a great chance to get a closer look at what many consider another solid haul for general manager Mike Borgonzi. Although that isn’t a unanimous opinion. In fact, Bucky Brooks of Fox Sports believes the Titans were one of the biggest losers in the draft.
The 2026 draft pivoted when the Titans shocked the world with the Carnell Tate pick at No. 4 overall. Although most observers viewed the Ohio State star as the No. 1 wideout in the class, the decision to take a collegiate WR2 over a freakishly athletic pass rusher (Arvell Reese) and off-ball linebacker (Sonny Styles) has put Robert Saleh’s debut class under the microscope. Perhaps Tate will silence the critics by playing at a superstar level, but he will need to adapt to a new role and more responsibility as the WR1 for a team that lacks an elite supporting cast around him.
The Titans traded back into the first round to acquire a big-bodied edge rusher, Keldric Faulk, with modest sack production. While there was plenty of love in the scouting community for the Auburn star as a run defender, the Titans are counting on the 21-year-old to transform into an Arik Armstead-type defender with inside-outside versatility. Considering how collegiate sack production typically translates into NFL performance, the Titans will need their second first-rounder to remake his game to match his draft expectations.
With second-round pick Anthony Hill slated to be a Day 1 starter at middle linebacker, the Titans are counting on three developmental playmakers to fill voids on a squad looking to climb out of the AFC South cellar.
The logic being displayed by this (and a few other national) takes is somewhat confusing. Tennessee chose to add a weapon with the fourth overall selection, and they clearly scouted and valued Carnell Tate as a player, and are being somewhat criticized for drafting a player that was widely regarded as a top 5 to 10 player in this class.
Bucky Brooks criticized the Titans for their decision to select wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall instead of addressing more pressing needs like pass rusher or linebacker.
The Titans' key draft picks included wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4, edge rusher Keldric Faulk, and linebacker Anthony Hill, who is expected to be a Day 1 starter.
Carnell Tate's selection as the WR1 puts pressure on him to perform at a superstar level, especially given the lack of an elite supporting cast around him.
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Yes, the pick went against what many “experts” perceived as the team's biggest need, but those needs were based on opinion and perception rather than on what the coaching staff and front office believe. Only time will tell what this draft class accomplishes, but to list this Titans’ draft class as a loser because they went against outside expectations is somewhat frustrating, and a perfect example of why grades or evaluations should be made at least two years after the fact. Just look back at the opinions on another Ohio State wide receiver taken fourth overall: Marvin Harrison Jr.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Bucky Brooks names Titans on of the biggest losers of the draft