The Indianapolis Colts entered a crucial offseason disarmed of one of their most valuable weapons. Not having a first-round pick wasn't necessarily terrible in a somewhat underwhelming draft class, but it may have been a luxury they couldn't afford.
All things considered, general manager Chris Ballard navigated the 2026 NFL Draft well. The Colts added a couple of young players who should make an immediate impact (C.J. Allen and A.J. Haulcy), as well as some intriguing projects (George Gumbs Jr. and Jalen Farmer).
However, watching most of the AFC South make big strides and add high-end talent to their roster might sting. As Moe Moton of Bleacher Report just predicted, the division might have the new Offensive Rookie of the Year in Carnell Tate.
Carnell Tate could be a problem for the Indianapolis Colts
"Thus far, Tate has looked the part of a top draft pick," Moton wrote. "...Furthermore, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has helped turn wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Malik Nabers into Pro Bowlers during his stops with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. Tate could be the next receiver to flourish in Daboll's offense."
Of course, this is just the way the NFL Draft is supposed to work. Bad teams get more valuable picks to get the best prospects and ensure competitive balance. The Tennessee Titans struggled to get anything going last season, so it's only right that they get their hands on this year's WR1.
That said, after watching how they overhauled the roster to give Robert Saleh a chance to compete, the Colts can't afford to look down on their divisional rivals anymore. The Titans might be one of the most improved teams in the AFC in 2026, all while the Colts are essentially the same team.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo should start the season on the hot seat. The Colts shut down the run, but they ranked 31st in passing yards allowed (4,462), 32nd in passing first-downs allowed (216), gave up the seventh-most 20+ yard completions (57), and ranked right in the middle of the pack in interceptions (14).
The Titans won't only have the best wide receiver in this class on the field, but they'll also give former No. 1 pick Cam Ward a proven offensive mind in Brian Daboll. That's not great news for a Colts team that counted on the Titans as two scheduled wins.
Carnell Tate's addition will be a double test for Sauce Gardner. Not only will he have to prove that not having a first-round pick in 2026 was worth it, but he'll also have to make sure the Titans' first-round selection won't be a problem for his new team.
Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean that the Titans will be a contender in 2026, not even if Tate is a star from day one. But with the Colts also trading their 2027 first-round pick to get Gardner, finishing this season with a losing record could be an absolute catastrophe, as the rest of the division gets younger and better while this team stays stuck with the same core.
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