Titans Grab Carnell Tate Fourth Overall, Adding New Weapon For Cam Ward

By Jody Smith | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 1:25 PM UTC

The Titans selected Ohio State WR Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tate showcased elite hands in 2025, finishing with zero drops and leading the class in contested-catch success: 12 catches among 14 targets. Tate finished his junior season with 51 catches for 875 yards and 9 TDs, limited by the presence of All-American teammate Jeremiah Smith. Still, 2025 was a clear success. Tate averaged 3.02 yards per route run and 17.2 yards per catch, showing the ability to stretch coverage vertically. Tate didn’t run well at the Combine (4.53-second 40-yard dash, 1.61-second 10-yard split), but his tape shows plenty of play speed.

What They're Saying

Tate said via ESPN: "My speed ... the Combine is one time, but ultimately I'm a great football player. When you put the pads on, it's another level."

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “Tate wins with explosive ball skills, physicality at the catch point, and refined route work. He ran 86.8% of his routes on the outside and projects cleanly as an outside NFL receiver. In dynasty formats, Tate profiles as a fringe WR2 in startups and a top-5 pick in rookie drafts.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

This pick comes as a surprise, with few expecting the Titans to target a WR at No. 4. Tate’s downfield playmaking fits a revamped receiving corps entering QB Cam Ward’s second season.

Tate looks like the best bet to emerge as Tennessee’s No. 1 WR. The Titans also invested heavily in Wan’Dale Robinson, who should reprise the slot-leaning role he played under OC Brian Daboll in New York.

Tennessee ranked 31st in passing yards per game last season, though Ward showed improvement down the stretch. Tate profiles as a WR3/flex option with spike-week upside.

Dynasty Impact

With Daboll calling plays, Tennessee’s offense should trend up. Tate’s ball skills and physicality should translate quickly, giving the Titans a much-needed red-zone weapon.

Tate is only 21 and follows a long line of standout Ohio State WRs who have made significant fantasy impacts.

Tate projects as a dynasty WR2 with weekly upside beyond that.

Learn more about Carnell Tate’s Dynasty Value

Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.