Jon Rexrode·
When you take a receiver No.
4, he needs to be your No. 1 receiver in short order. That’s the long-term necessity for Tate, this franchise’s highest-drafted receiver since Corey Davis at No. 5 in 2017 — a pick that proved to be a reach for need. It’s natural to think of that scenario here, considering Tate was not expected to go this high. But all that matters to the Titans is that he builds a connection with Cam Ward and proves that he can be a No. 1. Even though he wasn’t the No. 1 on his college team. The Titans and their fans are hoping Tate comes right in and locks up a starting job, and that’s a fair expectation, though there is some returning and incoming talent. Calvin Ridley is still around. Last year’s fourth-round rookies, Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, will have roles. The Titans signed Wan’Dale Robinson in the offseason. If Tate can’t immediately command snaps and targets amid that group, there will be concern. From a franchise still smarting from the A. J. Brown-to-Treylon Burks debacle.