Titans' Cam Ward sees big things for rookie Carnell Tate

The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their third practice session of phase three of offseason team activities (OTAs) on Thursday, and second-year quarterback Cam Ward met with the media following the practice.

The offensive leader touched on a few topics, including his shoulder injury, his offseason, and his leaner frame, but the most interesting comments focused on the Titans’ first-round pick, Carnell Tate. Tennessee surprised many when they selected Tate fourth overall and took a risk by building around Ward rather than following the projected path of bolstering the defense.

So far, Ward appears impressed by the young receiver and believes he will be a difference-maker in 2026.

Cam Ward on Carnell Tate and the #Titans offense:

“He [Tate] will have an explosive year because he's going to see a lot of one-on-one matchups. WE WANT DEFENSES TO PLAY MAN BECAUSE WE THINK WE CAN BEAT THEM… For a rookie at his position, this is one of the best offenses he can… pic.twitter.com/FtjidIEdcu— SharmSports (@SharmSports) May 21, 2026

“He (Tate) will have an explosive year because he's going to see a lot of one-on-one matchups.” Ward said, “We want defenses to play man because we think we can beat them.”

Cam on Carnell Tate: "Great hands. He can win in man coverage. He's a strider." #Titans@NC5@NashSportsRadiopic.twitter.com/4GqDgiUh7d— Jon Burton (@JonBurton3234) May 21, 2026

Ward followed that comment with one about what makes Tate different. “Great hands. He can win in man coverage. He's a strider."

When you couple Tate with the addition of slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, it’s easy to see why the excitement is building around Tennessee’s new offense in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans' Cam Ward sees big things for rookie Carnell Tate