The NFL has confirmed Carnell Tate’s official 40-yard dash time at 4.52 seconds from the 2026 NFL Combine. But several team executives recorded faster times on their own stopwatches.
The Ohio State wide receiver is projected as a potential first-round pick. Some analysts consider him the top wideout in this year’s draft class.
His official time raised eyebrows among scouts who expected faster results.
Teams Record Different Times
Multiple NFL executives and general managers clocked Tate between 4.45-4.47 seconds during Saturday’s testing session.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the discrepancy on social media platform X.
“Ohio State WR Carnell Tate, a potential top 10 pick, was timed by several NFL executives and GMs on Saturday with a 40 time in the range of 4.45-4.47 seconds. Although the combine registers official times, teams always conduct their own timing, and those measurements with some teams were lower than his clocked 4.52.”
Teams routinely use their own timing equipment alongside official combine measurements. This practice helps front offices make independent evaluations of prospects.
The difference between 4.47 and 4.52 might seem small. But in NFL evaluation, tenths of seconds can impact draft positioning and contract negotiations.
Draft Stock Remains High
Tate’s game film shows consistent separation ability and route-running precision. His college production supports his reputation as an elite prospect.
The timing controversy likely won’t hurt his draft position significantly.
Teams value game speed over straight-line speed. Tate demonstrated both qualities during his college career at Ohio State.
Several franchises picking in the top 15 need wide receiver help. The 21-year-old fits the profile most teams want in today’s passing-heavy NFL.
