Ward has reason to be confident. After being fired by the Giants, Brian Daboll headed to Nashville to join new coach Robert Saleh’s staff as the Titans’ offensive coordinator, bringing with him an offense that once powered Josh Allen to become the superstar quarterback and NFL MVP we know him as. It’s also an offense that intends to create opportunities for players like Tate by congesting plays in an effort to attract media coverage, a style of defense Tennessee believes Tate can beat consistently.
“In the NFL, you have to know how to counter coverage,” Tate said, also via ESPN. “That’s what it’s all about. You have to take it very personally.”
“The team is going to rely on you to go out and win this game one-on-one with the top corner across from you.
Entering the NFL, Tate’s greatest strength was his ability to make contested catches. No receiver in the Class of 2026 was better at it than the Ohio State star, whose highlight reel was full of spectacular catches with defenders drooling over him.
He’ll need those skills — plus effective route running to get off the line of scrimmage — to thrive in Daboll’s offense. As Tennessee sees it, Tate is a perfect fit for their vision.
“He’s got great hands, works in man coverage and he’s a stepper,” Ward said.
During Ward’s rookie season, he rarely found open targets when facing coverage. He was also playing with a largely inexperienced receiving corps that was carried by rookies (Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike), as well as tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, who has since left for Washington.
While surprising in the moment, Tennessee’s decision to select Tate at No. 4 is now easy to understand. Believing they had found the perfect backup for Ward, the Titans took the pick with confidence.
Now it’s up to Ward and Tate to prove them right.