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Taylor Lewan expressed support for Carnell Tate, the Titans' first-round pick, highlighting his potential as a key asset for quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans surprised fans by selecting Tate with the No. 4 overall pick.
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What Taylor Lewan said about Carnell Tate, Titans' first-round pick
The Tennessee Titans surprised many fans and NFL draft analysts when they selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick.
Even Tate was caught off-guard.
Count former Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, though, as one of Tate's believers. Lewan, who now hosts the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast with former Titans teammate Will Compton, thinks that Tate is just the kind of weapon that second-year quarterback Cam Ward needs â even if Tate played for his alma mater's biggest rival.
"Coming from a Michigan man himself, Iâll be honest, if youâre a GM and youâre looking at an Ohio State wide receiver, youâre probably safe," Lewan said on the podcast.
Taylor Lewan believes Carnell Tate is the kind of weapon that second-year quarterback Cam Ward needs.
The Titans surprised many fans and analysts by selecting Carnell Tate, indicating their belief in his potential impact on the team.
Carnell Tate was caught off-guard by the Titans' selection of him with the No. 4 overall pick.
Cam Ward is the second-year quarterback for the Titans, and Taylor Lewan believes that Tate will be a valuable asset for him.
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Carnell Tate, left and Keldric Faulk enter the room as the Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
From left, general manager Mike Borgonzi, wide receiver Carnell Tate, edge defender Keldric Faulk and coach Robert Saleh take questions as The Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
Coach Robert Saleh takes questions as the Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections wide receiver Carnell Tate and edge defender Keldric Faulk at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
Edge defender Keldric Faulk takes questions at the Titans' practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026. He was the Titans second draft pick for 2026.
Wide receiver Carnell Tate takes questions at the Titans' practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026. He was the Titans first draft pick for 2026.
Wide receiver Carnell Tate takes questions at the Titans' practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026. He was the Titans first draft pick for 2026.
From left, general manager Mike Borgonzi, wide receiver Carnell Tate, edge defender Keldric Faulk and coach Robert Saleh take questions as The Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Carnell Tate, left and Keldric Faulk enter the room as the Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Carnell Tate, left and Keldric Faulk enter the room as the Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
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From left, general manager Mike Borgonzi, wide receiver Carnell Tate, edge defender Keldric Faulk and coach Robert Saleh take questions as The Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Coach Robert Saleh takes questions as the Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections wide receiver Carnell Tate and edge defender Keldric Faulk at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
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Edge defender Keldric Faulk takes questions at the Titans' practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026. He was the Titans second draft pick for 2026.
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Wide receiver Carnell Tate takes questions at the Titans' practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026. He was the Titans first draft pick for 2026.
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Wide receiver Carnell Tate takes questions at the Titans' practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026. He was the Titans first draft pick for 2026.
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From left, general manager Mike Borgonzi, wide receiver Carnell Tate, edge defender Keldric Faulk and coach Robert Saleh take questions as The Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.
Tate caught 48 passes for 838 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 after hauling in 52 receptions for 733 yards and four TDs the season before as the Buckeyes won the national championship. Coming out of high school at IMG Academy, Tate was a 5-star recruit and the No. 22 prospect nationally.
Ohio State has sent an army of talented receivers to the NFL in recent years, including Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Tate played alongside Harrison and Egbuka during his career. Last season, he lined up across from Jeremiah Smith, who's considered a potential No. 1 pick in 2027.
"Great football player, incredible routes, finds those holes in zone," Lewan said of Tate. "A lot of people, the big knock on him was he was the No. 2 receiver on his team last year. What happens when you donât have a guy like Jeremiah Smith taking all the attention away from you?"
Lewan said he was surprised to see the Arizona Cardinals select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3, one spot ahead of the Titans. Love had been heavily mocked to the Tennessee Titans in the weeks leading up to the draft.
The rationale for taking Love was to surround Ward with talent after the 2025 No. 1 pick showed promise during his rookie season. Lewan thinks the same applies to the Tate selection.
"You need to give (Ward) as many weapons as possible," Lewan said. "Heâs a confident man, you gotta get that confidence to an all-time high going into this year."
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on X/Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What Taylor Lewan said about Titans first-round pick Carnell Tate