NASHVILLE – Carnell Tate didn't make any highlight-reel catches on his first day on the job with the Titans.
By design, the Titans draft picks – and that includes the team's first-round pick – spent Friday working on conditioning, and for what's to come this offseason.
But that doesn't mean Tate didn't feel the excitement on Day 1 of the team's rookie minicamp.
"It feels like (I'm) a kid again," Tate said with a smile. "It's a new journey, the next step in your journey. New program, new jersey, new teammates. And you have to go out there and prove it all together and prove yourself again."
Tate said he wants to be patient and get himself primed to play. Leading up to the NFL Draft, the former Ohio State receiver spent a lot of time traveling to 30 visits, which made it tougher to find time to work out.
"It's mainly about getting acclimated, and catching the guys in the draft up to the speed the team is at right now," Tate said. "We're not trying to rush into anything, and get any injuries. I feel good about it. Those guys have a program for me, and I trust and believe they are going to put me in the best position."
The Titans picked Tate fourth overall in last month's NFL Draft.
Tate (6-2, 192) caught 121 passes for 1,872 yards with 14 touchdowns in three seasons at Ohio State while playing in 39 games, with 27 starts. He caught 51 passes for 875 yards (17.2-yard average) and nine touchdowns in 2025.
Tate was a second-team Associated Press All-American in 2025, and a first-team All-Big Ten Conference performer.
Tate took the field in No. 14 on Friday – he said he hasn't even bothered receiver Chimere Dike about the No. 17, the number he wore in college. Tate did say 14 has a meaning, since his mother was born on November 14, and he was Round 1, Pick 4.
"You have two ways to look at it," Tate said with a smile. "It's just a new opportunity."
For Tate, the start of this weekend's rookie minicamp is a new opportunity.
He wants to start by making a good first impression.
"Just prove my worth," Tate said, "and prove to the coaches that they can trust me. Just get up to the level of the older guys, the vets here, and prove that I am trustworthy to them as well."
