For most of the pre-draft process, most intel pointed toward the Tennessee Titans taking either Jeremiyah Love or a defensive player. Instead, they went with Ohio State star wide receiver Carnell Tate for the first surprise of the night.
Tate, the clear-cut WR1 in this class, may not have the highest ceiling or the otherworldly athleticism of other guys like Jordyn Tyson, but he's the best route-runner and may have the highest floor among pass catchers.
The Titans had already revamped their passing game with the addition of Wan'Dale Robinson. Now, new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and Cam Ward will have another weapon to get creative with, and that spells trouble for the Colts' defense.
Carnell Tate gives the Indianapolis Colts another WR to worry about
The Colts' decision to give up multiple first-round picks to get Sauce Gardner wasn't just for the sake of it. There was a major need at the position, and letting Kenny Moore II go only looks like a riskier decision now.
Lou Anarumo's defense gave up 247.9 passing yards per game last season, the second-most in the entire league. Adding Cam Taylor-Britt to the mix may not do that much to help with that.
Conversely, the Titans had the third-fewest passing yards per game last season (166.1), but that shouldn't be the case with Daboll calling the shots, more experience and weapons for Ward, and an improved offensive line.
The Colts didn't find much trouble getting past the Titans last season. They got the best of them in both matchups and outscored them 79-34. They were an elite defensive team against the run, and even though Jeremiyah Love is an amazing player, they could've probably still found ways to neutralize him a bit easier.
Tate benefited from having Jeremiah Smith drawing tougher matchups and dealing with most CB1s in college, and having an experienced playmaker like Robinson by his side will help him do the same thing as a rookie. The Titans can take things slowly with him; it doesn't even matter if he's a true WR1 in his first year in the league.
At least Daniel Jones should be glad that a divisional rival didn't take Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles, both of whom were still on the board when the Titans shockingly made Tate the first wide receiver taken this season. Other than that, not many people might be smiling in the Colts' draft room.
With no first-round selection and several holes to fill at linebacker and pass-rusher, the Colts will have a tough time revamping the secondary in Days 2 and 3 of the draft.
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