Titans' Carnell Tate Attributes Position Versatility to Coaching at Ohio State

The Tennessee Titans are focused on enhancing their roster for the upcoming 2026 season, and one of their standout moves was drafting Carnell Tate, a wide receiver from Ohio State, with the fourth overall pick. Early signs from training camp suggest that Tate is poised to make a significant impact as a professional player.

After Tuesday's practice, Tate spoke to reporters about his transition to the NFL. He acknowledged the role that his former wide receiver coach, Brian Hartline, played in his development. According to Tate, Hartline emphasized the importance of mastering multiple receiver positions, which has made adapting to the Titans' playbook much easier for him.

"It started with Coach (Brian) Hartline at Ohio State," Tate explained. "He made it a priority for me to learn all of the different receiver groups because the more you understand what each position has, the more you understand the playbook. There was nothing new just coming over here." Tate's diverse training has provided him with a solid foundation to understand the intricacies of the game and excel in various roles on the field.

During his three seasons at Ohio State, Tate honed his skills under Hartline, who has since taken the head coaching position at the University of South Florida. Hartline, a former NFL wide receiver himself, began coaching in 2017 after a six-year professional playing career.

Despite competing alongside future NFL stars like Jeremiah Smith, Tate has made a name for himself and is prepared to face the challenges that come with being a rookie in the league. With the talent surrounding him, including notable players like Calvin Ridley and Wan'Dale Robinson, expectations are high for Tate to make an immediate impression in the 2026 season.