But Zach Thomas refers to his confidence in the Tennessee Titans as something else.
On the heels of the Titans’ abysmal three-win season, Thomas went to Nissan Stadium for the Tennessee Titans 2026 NFL Draft party on April 23 with firm belief the team will win seven games this fall.
“Born and raised in Nashville, it’s one of those things we call Deranged Titans Syndrome. It’s all about being a fan,” Thomas said. “Being a fan of this organization, we’ve been through the ups-and-downs. I’d say hope is what’s driving me.”
Emily Duncan of Paducah, Ky., center, reacts to the Arizona Cardinals pick of Jeremiyah Love during the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan Stadium Thursday, April 23, 2026. She was hoping, as many Titans fans were, he would be the Titans fourth pick. Instead, the Titans took wide receiver Carnell Tate.during the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan StadiuTennessee Titans fans react to the announcement of wide receiver Carnell Tate as the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft during the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan Stadium Thursday, April 23, 2026.1 / 2Tennessee Titans celebrate first-round draft pick at Nissan StadiumEmily Duncan of Paducah, Ky., center, reacts to the Arizona Cardinals pick of Jeremiyah Love during the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan Stadium Thursday, April 23, 2026. She was hoping, as many Titans fans were, he would be the Titans fourth pick. Instead, the Titans took wide receiver Carnell Tate.1 / 2Tennessee Titans celebrate first-round draft pick at Nissan StadiumEmily Duncan of Paducah, Ky., center, reacts to the Arizona Cardinals pick of Jeremiyah Love during the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan Stadium Thursday, April 23, 2026. She was hoping, as many Titans fans were, he would be the Titans fourth pick. Instead, the Titans took wide receiver Carnell Tate.2 / 2Tennessee Titans celebrate first-round draft pick at Nissan Stadiumduring the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan StadiuTennessee Titans fans react to the announcement of wide receiver Carnell Tate as the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft during the 2026 Titans Draft Party at Nissan Stadium Thursday, April 23, 2026.More: Watch Titans GM Mike Borgonzi tell WR Carnell Tate he is No. 4 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
More: Grading Tennessee Titans pick of Carnell Tate at No. 4 in NFL Draft
On the night the Titans selected former Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 pick in the draft — a shiny new target for quarterback Cam Ward — the stadium smelled of beer hops, hope and realism.
The Tennessean asked 50 fans to predict the Titans’ win total in 2026-27. The answers ranged from 4-15, with 11 people predicting double-digit victories. The average guess was 7.6 wins.
So, there’s some trust that general manager Mike Borgonzi is making the right moves and new coach Robert Saleh can capitalize on them.
“I’m an ‘every year we’re going to the Super Bowl’ type fan,” said Jason Allen, a season-ticket holder since 1999 who predicts nine wins. “Usually the first game or two I get humbled and realize we’re not to that caliber yet. Realistically, Cam Ward’s second year, I think he did really well getting to a point last season until he got hurt. But he was showing promise. I think that’s going to translate to this year. Coaching changes for sure (helped), and what’s about to happen (in the draft).”
Most fans at the party wanted the Titans to draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. There was a collective groan when the Arizona Cardinals swiped Love at No. 3.
There was equal surprise when the Titans picked Tate, a name that didn’t come up much at No. 4 this week. The buzz had centered more on Ohio State linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles.
“On defense alone, and with the AFC South sort of being a murky division, I think we can at least get seven wins,” said Lorenzo Hawkins III, a fan who also hosts the Tennessee Titans Weekly show on YouTube. “The dynamics of coaching, you've got (offensive coordinator) Brian Daboll, you’ve got Robert Saleh. Coaching itself has been a big change for all NFL teams. You look at Jacksonville, the Bears. In a year, they made the playoffs based on coaching.”
Titans fan Christian Sheppard said he loves the Tate pick, under the belief the organization can build up its defense later in the draft. He was proved right when the Titans traded into the first round and picked former Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk,
All agreed anything would better than three wins — though 15 seemed a little high.
“I don't think next year will be the ultimate year,” Thomas said. “I think it'll take a year or two to make the steps. But I’ve got confidence in Borgonzi. The rookies we had last year will make better steps next year. I have confidence we’ll make the right moves in the draft.”
Tyler Palmateer covers high school sports for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.
He also contributes to The Tennessean's high school sports newsletter, The Bootleg. Subscribe to The Bootleg here.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans predict 2026 record, react to Carnell Tate pick at NFL Draft party