For months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, Carnell Tate tried to imagine where his professional football journey would begin. On the flip side, the Tennessee Titans were imagining what playmaker they could select to pair with their young QB Cam Ward.
While there was always uncertainty, Tate revealed on the St. Brown Podcast that he expected to be drafted by a different team, namely the Washington Commanders (7th pick) or the Cleveland Browns (9th pick). So, while the Tennessee Titans selecting him with the fourth overall pick was a surprise to many in the media and within the fan base, he was just as surprised.
However, he also revealed that he expected his draft range to begin at four and to be picked no later than the 15th pick. Overall, the surprise may have caught Tate off guard at the time, but it could end up being one of the best outcomes possible for both him and the Titans franchise.
The Titans May Be the Perfect Landing Spot
The St. Brown brothers brought up how many players have stories about being drafted lower than expected, so Tate’s story is definitely not common. But being taken higher than where he was realistically expecting could be a blessing in disguise for the former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver.
For Tate, the Titans might ultimately be the ideal fit for his skill set. They were searching for a dynamic playmaker to help accelerate the development of Cam Ward and become the cornerstone for the franchise at wide receiver. Tate brings the size, athleticism, and route-running ability needed to fill that role immediately.
Draft-day surprises are part of the NFL experience. For Tate and the Titans, this particular surprise may end up working out exactly as both sides hoped.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate reveals surprise draft-day expectation
