Report: Tennessee Titans had no trade offers while on the clock in NFL draft

The Tennessee Titans' selection of Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick was pegged by many as the first shocker of the 2026 NFL draft. While the selection of the former Ohio State wide receiver filled a need for the team, he wasn't listed as being selected by them much throughout the draft process in mocks leading up to it.

The pick has garnered mostly mixed reviews, with some pundits saying filling the need and his fit make sense, and others saying he was selected too high.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler gave insight into the Titans' decision while they were on the clock to answer many questions revolving around the pick. As it turns out, Tennessee had no trade-down offers.

The way the Tennessee Titans stacked their options at No. 4 was a compelling storyline leading up to Thursday. My read on it: Texas Tech edge David Bailey would've been a consideration had he fallen to them, either as an outright selection or a trade-back catalyst. The Titans had finalized their draft board more than a week before, and Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate was ahead of Buckeyes teammates Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. One source believes Reese's positional uncertainty (off-ball backer vs. edge) was a factor for Tennessee. Another countered that the Titans simply rated Tate higher and figured he wasn't getting past No. 7. Tennessee felt good about getting defensive help later. Plus, the top-end receiver pool was stronger than some of the other positions it might have prioritized. The Titans never got any trade offers while on the clock, so moving back wasn't really an option.

Obviously, the Titans had a high grade on Tate to select him No. 4, but many pundits wondered why they didn't trade back for extra draft capital to select him. It takes two to tango in a trade scenario, and it appears the Titans didn't have an option in that regard.

Also, Tate was projected as a top 10 pick, so trading back too far could've taken them out of his range.

The Titans made their board and stuck with it by taking a player who can help their young quarterback immediately. Whether they took him too high or not won't matter if he becomes the player they believe he can be.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans had no trade offers while on the clock in NFL draft