Carnell Tate Reveals Team He Thought Would Pick Him in 2026 NFL Draft After Going No. 4 to Titans

Carnell Tate did not expect to hear his name called with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

During an appearance on the St. Brown Podcast (1:01 mark), he said, "Realistically, I thought I was going to go six or seven or eight. … I was shocked for real, I didn't expect to go that high."

He also said he expected either the Cleveland Browns at No. 9 or the Washington Commanders at No. 7 to be his landing spots, adding, "I think I was locked in with the Commanders."

Ultimately, though, the Tennessee Titans decided to take him at No. 4 as the first wide receiver to be selected in the draft.

That the Titans went with Tate isn't particularly surprising in hindsight since they took quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. They need to surround the young signal-caller with talented offensive playmakers if he is going to make the necessary strides to live up to expectations, and Tate fits the bill.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked him as the most pro-ready wide receiver and the one with the best hands who runs the best routes in its final big board of prospects for the 2026 NFL draft.

The Titans also signed wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson to a wide receiver group that already includes Calvin Ridley. With Robinson, Tate and Ridley, there are plenty of pass-catchers for Ward to target in his second season as the AFC South team attempts to turn the corner following a 3-14 campaign.

Ideally for Tennessee, Tate develops into its top receiver and someone who consistently beats opposing secondaries over the top. But he also proved at Ohio State he can thrive as a secondary option as well when he was teammates with Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr..

Perhaps the Commanders would have loved to have that overall versatility and skill set with the No. 7 pick, especially since they are short on proven playmakers at the position outside of Terry McLaurin.

However, he was no longer available, and they pivoted to Tate's college teammate in Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.