CarnellTate

News: 3 days agoTate didn't come up with any of his three targets in the Titans' 19-13 preseason win over the 49ers on Thursday.

Spin: The rookie fourth overall pick was on the field for the Titans' opening possession and saw his first target in the end zone on second down. Tate's two other opportunities came during Tennessee's third drive, but he ultimately finished his night without making any impact on the stat sheet while working with starting quarterback Cam Ward during his time in the game. Despite the quiet debut, Tate naturally remains ticketed for a major role in his 2026 rookie campaign and will look to build some momentum during Tennessee's second preseason game against the Seahawks at home on Sunday, Aug. 23.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Tate was selected by the Titans with the fourth overall pick of April's draft. He didn't see a ton of volume at Ohio State, but he was efficient, averaging 13.1 yards per target (first in this rookie WR class) and 3.06 yards per route run (third) in 2025. He also paced the class in YPT for his career (11.6) and caught an impressive 75% of his targets during the 39-game span. Tate underwhelmed in the 40-yard dash at the combine (4.53 at 192 pounds), but he measured in with big hands and a large wingspan. Wide receivers selected in the top 10 handle, on average, one-quarter of their team's targets and generally deliver WR2/3 fantasy production. Cam Ward's development will be key here, but Tate's combination of talent and projected target volume is enough to make him an appealing WR3.