Titans HC Brian Daboll praised the progress of rookie WR Carnell Tate. “We’ve thrown a lot at these guys and he’s picked it up extremely well,” Daboll said via Nashville Post. “I’ve done this for a long time. In terms of picking it up, he’s been one of the tops at the skill position.”
Daboll continued his positive review of the Titans’ top pick.
“He’s a young player, still learning, but he’s smart. He’s got good ball skills. Everything we saw on tape at Ohio State … He’s come in and he’s acclimated himself well, as all the rookies have. But again, he’s doing what’s required right now and he’s doing a nice job. I really like the kid, his personality, his demeanor.”
Tate also noted the benefit of having Wan'Dale Robinson -- who's played for Daboll -- on the roster.
“Wan’Dale has been a tremendous help for me,” Tate said. “Especially [when] I go out there on some plays and blank … He knows what everyone has [to do] because he’s been with Daboll.”
The construction of Tennessee's WR corps suggests Tate will play a major Year 1 role.
Robinson arrived in free agency on a four-year, $78 million contract with $38 million guaranteed. He projects as the primary slot, where he's run 75% of his career routes (per Pro Football Focus).
The Titans are hoping for a healthy season from Calvin Ridley, who suffered a broken fibula in November. But the 31-year-old agreed to a restructured deal in March and will most likely settle in as the No. 3 WR.
TE Gunnar Helm and second-year WRs Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor bring potential, but they shouldn't affect the plans for Tate. We project the fourth overall pick for nearly 7 targets per game, enough for him to become a fringe WR3 in our PPR WR rankings.
His ability to hit (or exceed) that ranking will be heavily influenced by the progress of second-year QB Cam Ward. Per beat writer John Glennon, the "ups and downs" of Ward's practice performances have been "well documented."
It's certainly a development to watch once the pads come on next month.
Tate won’t turn 22 until January, while Tennessee’s WR corps gives him a chance to earn significant target volume early in his career.
He cracks the top-20 of our dynasty PPR WR rankings.
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