The Titans surprised many by taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that significantly shook up the top 10.
Tennessee was widely expected to draft a top defender or Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with their first pick. When the Cardinals took Love at No. 3, it seemed that new Titans head coach Robert Saleh was free to handpick a new star for his defense. Instead, the team went with Tate.
Their decision was multi-faceted. First was a different assessment of Tate’s athleticism than the public consensus. The Titans timed Tate’s 40-yard dash at the Combine “in the mid-4.4s” as opposed to his official time of 4.53 seconds, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. In their eyes, that rounded out the profile of an otherwise complete wide receiver with a full route tree and excellent skills at the catch point.
Getting help for former No. 1 pick Cam Ward was also a priority, one that encouraged Tennessee to go with an offensive playmaker rather than a defensive one. Tate largely played second fiddle to Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State in 2025, which many evaluators saw as a negative – he could not even be the top target on his own team. The Titans, though, had a different takeaway: Tate would have a place in whatever offense they build over the next several years, whether it be as a WR1 or a versatile part of a deeper group.
Had Tate not been available, Breer adds, the Titans would have gone with his teammate, linebacker Arvell Reese. The team badly needs to strengthen their pass rush, especially at defensive end even after reuniting Saleh with Jets 2022 first-rounder Jermaine Johnson. Reese was projected to convert into an edge rusher in the pros, but he might been a better fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker than a defensive end in Saleh’s 4-3 scheme.
Tennessee also drafted Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. in the second round and could deploy him in the role they envisioned for Reese. Hill has a slightly smaller frame and lacks the same bend and agility as Reese, but he could still be used creatively by Saleh.
The Titans’ decision highlights a false trend in the NFL: teams who hire a new head coach prioritize their side of the ball with their first draft picks. Despite the symbolism of such a move – letting a new leader select a prospect that fits his scheme, style, and culture – the process rarely plays out that way. General managers are still focused on value and following their draft board while incorporating coaches’ feedback.
This year, only four of the 10 teams with new head coaches used their first pick on the coach’s side of the ball. The Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza for Klint Kubiak – though that likely would have been the case no matter who they hired – the Cardinals drafted Love for LaFleur, the Browns got both Spencer Fano and KC Concepcion for Todd Monken, and the Steelers got Max Iheanachor (instead of Makai Lemon) for Mike McCarthy.
But, just as the Jets went with quarterback Zach Wilson in 2021, Saleh’s first year in New York, the Titans went with a wide receiver who was the top-ranked player on their board. That is not to say Saleh was not on board for those picks, or that head coaches in general prioritize their side of the ball. Another new defensive head coach, Jesse Minter, urged general manager Eric DeCosta to select guard Vega Ioane over edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., and the Jeff Hafley-led Dolphins took offensive lineman Kayden Proctor. In fact, there is an argument that the head coach’s expertise on one side of the ball means there should be more talent investment in the other.
At the end of the day, the Titans nabbed their desired prospect for their first pick in Tate, and Saleh still got a defensive lineman when the team traded back into the first round to select Auburn’s Keldric Faulk.
As much as I like Reese as a prospect and believe in his ability to become a high level edge rusher, I do think Saleh’s defense would have been an especially tough ask of him. Saleh wants to get home with four down linemen. Drafting Reese with the assumption that he can turn into a hand in the dirt base end is a much bigger leap than some of the other fits.
While I have my questions about how much Falk will develop as a pass rusher, I love the Titans landing him so late. If nothing else, he’s going to be a very good run defender who at least contributes to the pass rush by giving the offensive line a big strong presence to deal with.
I thought the Hill pick was wonderful for them, even if I’d have loved to see an edge rusher for Saleh. I have doubts about Ward, and see Tate as a tough ask in being a #1 immediately, but we have to consider giving Tate some credit: he was behind Smith as a receiver, not just anybody. Perhaps he can be a go-to guy, but drafting a number two at fourth overall seems a bit much.
In any case, either Reese or Tate would have been better than Love there, especially with the lack of offensive line stability. I thought that they’d take an edge player, but WR was a good attempt at providing Ward with some help in his crucial second year…as well as their high profile coordinator, who doubtlessly had his own wishlist going into the draft.
Yeah, in a better draft I wouldn’t care for Tate at four, but in this one, I get just adding a very good receiver for your young quarterback. I think he has growing to do, but I do like Ward. I think Falk and Hill are both very logical fits for Saleh and think he’s a good fit to help them develop where they need it. It reminds me a bit of what Carolina did last year, when they definitely needed defensive front help, but took McMillan first before doubling up on defense.
Yeah, Tennessee is a bit behind because Carolina had another X in Legette to give them two young starters, but they’re doing that path, even if Tate is Legette to their (eventual) MacMillan. Borgonzi looks promising, but we’ve seen how quickly things can change in Nashville, so we’ll see. I do agree with you on your evaluation of their strategy, certainly. I see what they’re trying to do, I think.
I don’t know if I would call Legette putting anyone ahead. Coker immediately looked better and they then turned around and drafted Brazzell. Kind of funny how relentlessly Carolina has added height and size, other than you know who.
Fair, but that was the strategy, at least. I meant in the scenario that Tate turns into the number two instead of the number one after picking another receiver later down the road is all.
For sure. They also signed Robinson and have Ridley around, for whatever that turns out to still be. I also think Ayomanor has a little something to him, even if maybe you’d rather he be your number 4.
Should have gotten Reese, who can do everything. Tate can develop but the defense needs playmakers to get the new stadium crowd pumped up. Ward still needs better protection before the passing game progresses.