Tennessee Titans shock with Ohio State WR Carnell Tate at pick 4
Bettors who wagered on Tate becoming the first Buckeye selected likely cashed in big. Tennessee faced multiple roster holes and had already invested significantly in mid-round wide receivers during last year’s draft, making the position an unlikely priority for the franchise.
Tate brings an excellent fit to Tennessee’s receiving corps, offering a legitimate top-tier option alongside Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike, who demonstrated potential but couldn’t quite provide enough support to boost quarterback Cam Ward’s early performance. Connecting their franchise signal-caller with an elite receiving target early in the draft could signal positive developments for Tennessee’s offensive unit.
Kansas City Chiefs surprise with LSU CB Mansoor Delane at selection 6
While teams making moves to climb the draft board wasn’t shocking in a talent class lacking elite prospects, most observers expected Kansas City’s potential trade-up would target pass rush help. The Chiefs did lose several cornerbacks during the offseason, but their aggressive move for Delane caught many off guard.
Nevertheless, head coach Andy Reid should be pleased to add Delane to the roster, considering the team’s limited depth at outside corner positions. The defensive backfield should gain stability through Delane’s versatile coverage skills.
Los Angeles Rams stun with Alabama QB Ty Simpson at number 13
The first-season Alabama quarterback has landed in an ideal developmental situation. Working under Rams head coach Sean McVay’s guidance while learning behind established starter Matthew Stafford for the next year or two, Simpson appears positioned to reach the peak form he displayed during his final college campaign’s opening half. Los Angeles is providing him extensive time to grow, which makes sense for a prospect many analysts believed couldn’t contribute immediately. Nevertheless, this pick stunned observers who view the Rams as legitimate Super Bowl contenders this year.
Minnesota Vikings take risk on Louisville DL Caleb Banks at pick 18
Had Banks not missed most of the 2025 season due to foot problems, this selection wouldn’t have raised eyebrows. However, Banks sustained another foot injury during the NFL Combine, leading many to believe his draft value had plummeted significantly.
Minnesota’s front office apparently focused on the exceptional athletic ability Banks demonstrated at the combine and seized the opportunity to select him. Whether this proves to be a brilliant high-upside gamble or a costly mistake remains to be determined through medical evaluations and time.
