The Tennessee Titans had the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and they surprised the league by selecting dynamic Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Tate brings a new look to the Titans’ wide receivers room, and it’s not just about his on-field production. Everything he did in his final two seasons at Ohio State was minimized by the presence of Jeremiah Smith. Smith took the attention of every defense they encountered, while Tate remained the secondary option. And when the ball was thrown to him, he caught it more often than not.
What Tate truly brings to the table is his ability to be a team player. He prioritizes winning over touches and wants to ensure the best possible path to that outcome, even if it means he doesn’t get the ball. It’s a rare quality to find in a wide receiver, and the Titans should count themselves lucky.
Here’s how X reacted to the Titans’ selection.
Well, well, well, #Titans surprise most of us by taking Tate. But obviously looking to surround Cam Ward with another weapon right away. https://t.co/RVIHCoMRgt
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) April 24, 2026
HAHAHAHAHA I DON’T HATE ITTTTT https://t.co/SbvIftr2Ek
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) April 24, 2026
Welcome to Nashville, Carnell! 👋 pic.twitter.com/b8kkBuiU4s
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 24, 2026
With the 4th Overall Pick the @Titans select… WR Carnell Tate out of Ohio State ⚔️ #TitanUppic.twitter.com/KJQQDExNvU
— 104-5 The Zone 📻 (@1045TheZone) April 24, 2026
Oh, Titans.
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) April 24, 2026
Describe the #Titans selecting Ohio State WR Carnell Tate IN ONE WORD#TitanUppic.twitter.com/tPfB83m8Me
— SharmSports (@SharmSports) April 24, 2026
I can’t believe they really took Tate at 4
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) April 24, 2026
They actually got Cam help bro 🥹🥹🥹🥹
— the metten burger (@themettenburger) April 24, 2026
All I can do, wow…. https://t.co/BL5ArOAVgbpic.twitter.com/uG8NANsc8y
— JT Ruhnke (@jt_ruhnke) April 24, 2026
Was my favorite choice among the guys on the board after Bailey and Love went. Would have loved to have gotten him after a small trade back but this is BIG time help for Cam Ward and the offense. https://t.co/Dah7X6souq
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonSk1) April 24, 2026
If you hate the Tate pick, give it like 15 minutes
— the metten burger (@themettenburger) April 24, 2026
Peter Schrager was right.
The #Titans have a new WR1 in Carnell Tate.
— Parker Kelley (@parker_kelley10) April 24, 2026
New Titans WR Carnell Tate’s message to Cam Ward, speaking to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge: “Whenever he needs me, I’m there for him. I’m always open.”
— Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 (@benyarthur) April 24, 2026
Tate is a rare combo being a plus separator AND the best contested catch ball winner in the draft. Best hands in the draft by far.
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonSk1) April 24, 2026
The bigger story is NOT SONNY STYLES
— the metten burger (@themettenburger) April 24, 2026
Justin Jefferson and Jaylen Waddle weren’t WR1 on their college teams either https://t.co/9Sg0k0CVQy
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonSk1) April 24, 2026
The plan seems clear from the #Titans. The goal is to make this offense good and to fill it with young talent as quickly as possible.
Love wasn’t there so they went with Tate and didn’t look back.
QB: Cam Ward (23 y/o)
WR: Carnell Tate (21 y/o)
WR: Elic Ayomanor (22 y/o)
WR:…— Will Lomas (@jlomas72) April 24, 2026
Carnell Tate told me before the draft that there was “no doubt” he was WR1.
“I do it all. … I run routes to get open at the highest level. I make contested catches, make good catches over the middle, and I go over top of people.” pic.twitter.com/VpYQoam6si
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) April 24, 2026
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans select Carnell Tate at No. 4: Here’s how X reacted