NASHVILLE — Cam Ward needs reliability around him in his second year starting at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. Drafting receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft is a sign that the organization gets the urgency.

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Carnell Tate stars at OTAs

OTAs are barely real football.

For quarterbacks, skill guys, second and third level defenders, there is still great value in the reps. OTAs do allow for team work as well as 7-on-7 drills. Ward-to-Tate was the highlight of Thursday’s work.

It is the only practice since rookie minicamp that has been open to media. Still, it was nice to catch Tate and Ward on a good day for both.

“He has great hands,” said Ward of his newest weapon. “Wins in man coverage. He’s a strider. He’s a guy who can versus off, versus press. He really doesn’t drop nothing, so just have to continue to find ways to get him involved early to continue to work on our timing.”

The two weren’t perfect, by any means, but Tate was clearly a favorite on the day.

Tate also benefited from the absence of wide outs Elic Ayomanor, Calvin Ridley and Chimere Dike during the practice. Without the Titans three returning receivers, Ward was able to give Tate an outsized level of attention. The No. 4 overall pick largely thrived.

“The skill guys, obviously the group overall being much improved,” coach Robert Saleh said. “But when a quarterback has confidence with the range of their catchability, their range is a lot greater. But between Wan’Dale (Robinson), (Carnell) Tate, even Elic (Ayomanor) looks fantastic. Just overall, the group has really elevated since last year.”

Tennessee returns to OTAs after Memorial Day.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.