Tate was a key piece of Ohio State’s passing attack over the past two seasons. He posted 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, then followed with 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, even as Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith shared targets.
The Titans entered the draft in need of a pass rusher, finishing last season with the 13th-most sacks largely due to Jeffrey Simmons’ 11 sacks. They added defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers in free agency, but still sought edge production, with potential targets such as Rueben Bain, Arvell Reese, and even Sonny Styles discussed by evaluators. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey was the only edge taken in the top 10 among the available players.
Tate’s tape suggests No. 1 receiver potential: savvy route-running, strong ball skills, and solid run-blocking ability. Yet he has often been the second option behind teammates like Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith, raising questions about how he’ll handle being Tennessee’s top target.
The Titans’ current receiving corps includes Wan’Dale Robinson, Elic Ayomanor, and Calvin Ridley, meaning Tate might not immediately shoulder the entire load and could need time to adjust to a larger role.
Some evaluators believed other receivers on the board could be more talented than Tate, such as Jordyn Tyson, who exceeded 1,100 receiving yards in 2024, and Makai Lemon, who posted 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns and won the Biletnikoff Award.
Ultimately, Tate’s high-selection will be scrutinized in the years ahead. The pick offers a ready-made target for Tennessee’s quarterback unit, but his development as a primary option and how he complements the team’s early defensive investments will determine the value of this decision.
