What Titans love about WR Carnell Tate, and why they picked him over LB Arvell Reese

TL;DR

The Tennessee Titans selected wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, prioritizing him over linebacker Arvell Reese. Assistant GM Dave Ziegler emphasized a 'consensus vision' for this decision.

Key points

Titans selected Carnell Tate with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Assistant GM Dave Ziegler mentioned a 'consensus vision' for the decision
Tate was not widely connected to the Titans prior to the draft
Key players like Bailey and Love were picked before Tate
Tate expressed surprise at being drafted by the Titans

Mentioned in this story

Dave ZieglerCarnell TateArvell Reese

Tennessee Titans2026 NFL DraftNew York JetsArizona

What Titans love about WR Carnell Tate, and why they picked him over LB Arvell Reese

Tennessee Titans assistant general manager Dave Ziegler used the phrase "consensus vision" to describe the team's decision to select wide receiver Carnell Tate instead of linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Going into the draft, barely anyone connected Tate with the Titans. Tate himself was surprised he ended up in Nashville, and with good reason. Months of pre-draft scuttlebutt connected the Titans with running back Jeremiyah Love, linebacker Sonny Styles and edge defenders Reese and David Bailey, leaving Tate as a distant fifth in the perceived pecking order.

Then, when Bailey went No. 2 to the New York Jets and Love went No. 3 to Arizona, the perfect Reese scenario seemed to fall in the Titans' lap.

The Titans went another way.

Ziegler, speaking to reporters on April 28, credited that concept of consensus vision. Everyone in the Titans' draft room not only agreed on the type of prospect Tate was, but on the vision for how to use Tate on coach Robert Saleh's roster and in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme.

Q&A

Why did the Titans choose Carnell Tate over Arvell Reese?

The Titans prioritized Carnell Tate due to a 'consensus vision' articulated by assistant GM Dave Ziegler, indicating a strategic preference for Tate's skills.

What was the Titans' draft strategy leading to the selection of Carnell Tate?

The Titans' draft strategy shifted unexpectedly, as they initially appeared to favor other positions, but ultimately selected Tate after key players were picked ahead of them.

How did Carnell Tate feel about being drafted by the Titans?

Carnell Tate was surprised to be selected by the Titans, as he was not widely connected to the team in pre-draft discussions.

What positions were the Titans expected to draft before selecting Tate?

Before selecting Carnell Tate, the Titans were expected to draft a running back or linebacker, with names like Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles frequently mentioned.