NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2026 NFL draft wrapped up on Saturday after three days in Pittsburgh.
The Tennessee Titans opened Day 1 with nine of the draft’s 257 picks, starting at No. 4 — where they took wide receiver Carnell Tate out of Ohio State.
Here’s a look at the Titans’ selections and what you need to know about them:
Round 1, No. 4 overall: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
My take: Tate is the highest-selected receiver in Titans history, beating 2017 No. 5 pick Corey Davis. He’s also the most recent in a long line of receivers to enter the NFL from Ohio State. At 6-foot-2, 192-pounds, Tate is capable of playing either “X” or “Z” for new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Tate has shown himself to be a consistent player, catching at least one pass in 37 of the 39 games he’s played. The Titans needed a big-play receiver, and Tate fits that bill, having averaged 17.2 yards per catch — including five touchdown receptions of 40 yards or more.
Will he start as a rookie? Tate will likely start as a rookie alongside Calvin Ridley, who played “Z” last season, and Wan’Dale Robinson, who will man the slot. By default, Tate should settle in at the “X” position, which fits his frame. Tate’s primary competition for the starting spot will be 2025 fourth-round pick Elic Ayomanor. Getting Tate as many reps as possible early will help jump-start the process of building chemistry with Ward. He said he’s looking forward to going against the top cornerbacks in the NFL and opposing defenses that game plan around him.
Key stat: The Titans were tied with the Raiders and Jets for last in the league with three completions of 40 yards or more. Tate caught five touchdown passes of at least 40 yards last season. It’s no secret that Cam Ward likes to push the ball down the field. Tate is a polished receiver who tracks the ball well down the field. He’s also more than capable of winning on contested catches, all of which should generate more big plays for a passing game that desperately needs to improve in that category.
Round 1, No. 31: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
My take: Faulk gives the Titans inside/outside versatility along the defensive front. Robert Saleh likes long players to play on the edge, and Faulk fits the bill at 6-foot-5, 276 pounds. But the production wasn’t there for Faulk, who only produced 10 sacks in three seasons at Auburn. The Titans are banking on Saleh, defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to get more out of the talented edge defender. Faulk now adds to the rotation up front, headlined by Jermaine Johnson II and Oluwafemi Oladejo.
Will he start as a rookie? No. Faulk, although he’s a first-round pick, it’s unlikely he’ll supplant Oladejo and Johnson as starting defensive ends. He’ll be in line to get his share of game reps thanks to how Saleh strives to have a heavy rotation along the defensive front. As a plus run defender, Faulk’s versatility could allow him to set the edge on early downs and see some snaps at defensive tackle on passing downs.
What we’re hearing about Keldric Faulk? “Faulk really fits his defense. He’s long, can play outside, and inside. Looking back to some of Saleh’s defenses, he reminded me a little bit of [Arik] Armstead when he had him there in San Francisco,” said Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi. “It’s all about developing, and he’s a taller guy like Armstead coming out of college; it was kind of the same thing. These guys have to learn to play with a lower pad level. We have some really good coaches here, so all these guys are still developing.”
My take: Hill fills a need at middle linebacker as a solid zone defender and thumper in the run game. Saleh has shown that he can get the most out of middle linebackers outside of the first round, most notably with Fred Warner in San Francisco and Quincy Williams with the Jets. Hill is capable of blitzing and rushing off the edge as well. He accumulated 17 sacks and 31.5 tackles for a loss in three seasons. Hill wore the green dot helmet at Texas.
Will he start as a rookie? Hill will immediately take over at middle linebacker for Saleh’s defense. Saleh needs a linebacker who can cover the middle of the field from hash to hash and pick up the crossing routes. That’s where Hill’s coverage ability comes into play. Hill can also help against the run by weaving through blockers and finding the football. Playing Hill at middle linebacker allows Cedric Gray and Cody Barton to settle in at either weakside or SAM backer when they are in their base defense.
My take: Borgonzi said he felt Day 3 would offer an opportunity to get quality interior offensive linemen, and Carmona, who brings a physical presence to the offensive line at 6-5, 316 pounds, delivers solid depth — at a minimum.
He is known for being a tenacious player and adds versatility to the line. The fifth-year prospect has 49 starts in college, 37 at left tackle, and 12 at left guard last season. Carmona said his preference is along the interior of the offensive line because he likes “playing in a phone booth.”
My take: Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are the top two backs on the Titans’ roster, but neither of them is under contract beyond next season. At 6-foot, 224 pounds, Singleton brings a solid blend of size, speed and overall explosiveness.
The production is there, as shown by Singleton’s school records with 5,586 career all-purpose yards and 55 total career TDs despite splitting time with fellow 2026 prospect Kaytron Allen. Singleton didn’t get to work out at the combine due to a broken fifth metatarsal he suffered at the Senior Bowl.
My take: Saleh wants to keep the reps at 60% for the guys up front. General manager Mike Borgonzi continues to stockpile defensive linemen with this pick. Marshall was a presence as a three-technique at Baylor thanks to his quickness off the ball. At 6-foot-2, 293 pounds, Marshall isn’t likely to be on the field to stop the run, but he’ll be a good option to rush the passer from the interior.
Round 6, No. 194: Pat Coogan, C, Indiana
My take: Coogan will challenge veteran free agent acquisition Austin Schlottmann for the starting center spot. Coogan (6-foot-5, 311 pounds) brings good size to the center position and has a championship pedigree, having won the College Football National Championship last season with Indiana.
Coogan was part of a culture-changing group that coach Curt Cignetti brought to Indiana. He’ll look to do the same for the Titans, who have only won six games over the past two seasons. Coogan was a high school teammate of Titans’ first-round pick Carnell Tate at Marist in Chicago.
Round 7, No. 225: Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma
My take: Kanak played quarterback in high school before converting to linebacker in college, but his final season was at tight end. At 6-foot-2, 233 pounds, Kanak ran a 4.52-second time in the 40-yard dash at the combine. His size and athleticism could land him a roster spot via special teams. Kanak caught 44 passes for 533 yards in his lone season as a tight end in 2025.
