The Tennessee Titans made their intentions clear in the 2026 NFL Draft: build around quarterback Cam Ward and accelerate the franchise’s rebuild with a mix of immediate playmakers and high-upside defenders.
Tennessee finished the draft with eight selections, highlighted by two first-round picks and a clear emphasis on surrounding Ward with talent while reshaping the roster on both sides of the ball.
The Titans made one of the draft’s earliest statements by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick. The move addressed one of the team’s most pressing needs after a 2025 season in which the offense lacked a true No. 1 receiving option.
“Tate is a polished route runner who displays fantastic body control and sure hands down the field,” one draft analysis noted, adding that he “slots in as an immediate impact player.”
Tate’s production at Ohio State backs up the selection. Over three seasons, he totaled 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a standout 2025 campaign with 875 yards and nine scores. His ability to consistently create separation and make contested catches gives the Titans a foundational piece in the passing game.
The emphasis on supporting Ward was no accident.
“This had to be the Project Get Ward Help draft for Tennessee,” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said, noting the team’s need to surround its young quarterback with playmakers.
Tennessee didn’t stop there. The team traded back into the first round to select Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk with the 31st overall pick, adding size and athleticism to a defensive front that new head coach Robert Saleh is working to reshape.
“There aren’t any questions about his physical traits,” Kiper said of Faulk. “I’m putting some stock in Saleh being able to maximize his power.”
Faulk brings experience and durability, having appeared in 37 games with 32 starts in college while recording 109 tackles and 10 sacks.
In the second round, the Titans added another key defensive piece in Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., a versatile and explosive defender who could see the field early.
“Anthony Hill is an athletic, hard-hitting linebacker who should find the field early on,” NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter said.
Hill’s collegiate production—including 249 tackles, 17 sacks and multiple forced turnovers—makes him a strong fit in Saleh’s defensive system.
Day 3 of the draft focused on depth and versatility. Tennessee selected guard Fernando Carmona Jr., running back Nick Singleton, defensive tackle Jackie Marshall, center Pat Coogan and tight end Jaren Kanak.
General manager Mike Borgonzi emphasized toughness and versatility when discussing the later-round additions.
“Both him and Pat have that—gritty, tough, dependable,” Borgonzi said of Carmona and Coogan. “They epitomize what we’re looking for.”
Singleton, in particular, stands out as a potential value pick. The Penn State product finished his college career with more than 3,400 rushing yards and a school-record 45 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver out of the backfield.
“Nick was a highly productive running back… he runs really angry, and he’s fast, and he can catch the ball,” Borgonzi said. “He kind of reminded me of a guy we had in Kansas City.”
Across the board, analysts offered a wide range of grades for the Titans’ class, but many agreed on one central theme: Tennessee prioritized supporting Ward while adding key defensive pieces.
“This feels like a true foundational draft for the next era of the Titans,” Yahoo Sports analyst Charles McDonald said. “It’s hard not to be excited after this haul.”
Others were more measured but still acknowledged the strategy.
“Taking Tate is a clear indication that the priority here was helping second-year QB Cam Ward,” USA Today’s Nate Davis noted.
For a team coming off a challenging season, the draft represents a turning point—one focused not just on long-term potential, but on creating immediate opportunities for growth.
