Carnell Tate picked by Titans in NFL draft: Scouting report for WR

TL;DR

The Tennessee Titans selected wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State with the fourth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tate is expected to be a key target for quarterback Cam Ward as the Titans aim to improve their performance.

Key points

Tennessee Titans selected Carnell Tate with the fourth pick
Tate is a wide receiver from Ohio State
He is expected to be a top target for Cam Ward
Tate scored five touchdowns of 40 or more yards in his final season
This marks the first pick of the Robert Saleh era

Tennessee TitansOhio State BuckeyesCarnell TateCam Ward

The Tennessee Titans have selected Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver and former IMG Academy star Carnell Tate with the fourth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

He marks the first pick of the Robert Saleh era as the Titans try to turnaround their misfortunes from recent years. Tate will immediately be the top-target for Tennessee as they continue to build around former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.

"I'm a reliable target for him," he said of Ward from the draft stage shortly after being selected.

Carnell Tate scouting report

Carnell Tate is a an elite pass catcher already. His ability to track the football in the air and high-point it over defenders is probably his best skill. He has good recognition of the soft spot in zones, slipping out of coverage and securing yardage downfield. He scored five touchdowns of 40 or more yards during his final season, separating himself as a true downfield threat.

How Carnell Tate fits with Titans

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

He immediately pairs with former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward to form a young quarterback-receiver tandem in Nashville. Tate will be the top option for Tennessee from the day he steps onto the field. He'll be able to build a relationship with Ward for years to come and be a threat in the AFC South as a playmaker.

Q&A

What skills make Carnell Tate a top wide receiver prospect?

Carnell Tate is known for his elite pass-catching ability, tracking the football well in the air and high-pointing it over defenders, along with a strong recognition of soft spots in zone coverage.

How many touchdowns did Carnell Tate score in his final college season?

Carnell Tate scored five touchdowns of 40 or more yards during his final season at Ohio State, showcasing his capability as a downfield threat.

Who is the quarterback that Carnell Tate will be playing with on the Titans?

Carnell Tate will be playing alongside quarterback Cam Ward, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the previous draft.