Carnell Tate stands out as the most polished receiver in this draft class. The Ohio State receiver trained under Brian Hartline and developed into a refined route runner who excels at contested catches.
Tate moves fluidly in and out of his breaks. He fits the mold that’s become synonymous with recent Ohio State receivers.
Most concerns about Tate stem from playing alongside Jeremiah Smith.
Tate isn’t Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson. He lacks elite top-end speed, running a 4.53 forty-yard dash. Many of the reps scouts would typically evaluate went to Smith instead.
Resistance to selecting Tate in the top 10 centers on him not being the primary receiver on his own team. His yards and touchdown numbers reflect that reality. These factors tie back to Smith, who’s being discussed as potentially the greatest receiver prospect ever.
NFL insiders agree Tate will be productive and help an NFL team. Whether he’ll develop into a true WR1 or elite receiver remains the question.
He should fall somewhere between an adequate WR1 to being in conversation for best WR2 in the league by his second contract. If he exceeds those expectations, a top 6-12 draft pick makes sense in this draft.
Here’s where Tate is projected to land in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Carnell Tate NFL Draft projections
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr – No. 8 New Orleans Saints
They need to surround second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with talent. The No. 2 wide receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele, who had 25 receptions last season.
Tate brings a well-rounded scouting report, with solid route running and the ability to come down with tough catches thanks to his hands and body control. He’d be great opposite Chris Olave — yet another excellent receiver to come out of Ohio State in recent years.
The Ringer’s Todd McShay – No. 6 Cleveland Browns
The Browns are betting on a quality tackle still being available at pick No. 24 by going receiver here. They could move up if necessary.
The Browns appear to be waiting on quarterback until 2027. That gives them time to evaluate Shedeur Sanders and possibly Deshaun Watson. It’s a smart decision given their roster’s current state.
Tate may not match past top-10 receiver prospects like Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, or Ja’Marr Chase. But he’s an ascending player with size, length, physicality, and contested-catch ability. Those traits typically translate to high-level NFL production. He’d complement Jerry Jeudy well.
NFL Network’s Rhett Lewis – No. 7 Washington Commanders
Support your young talented QB! I don’t think you can go wrong following that North Star philosophy, especially when Jayden Daniels is your quarterback.
ESPN’s Peter Schrager – No. 11 Miami Dolphins
Miami has seven picks in the first three rounds, becoming just the second NFL team with such a haul since the 2024 Cardinals.
With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle gone and a sizable investment in quarterback Malik Willis, the Dolphins must address the receiver room. New coach Jeff Hafley coached with Ryan Day in San Francisco and at Ohio State. GM Jon-Eric Sullivan also has Ohio State connections.
The whole program raves about Tate. He could bring energy to Miami.
Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald – No. 6 Cleveland Browns
Offensive tackle and wide receiver represent the Browns’ straightforward path with their two first-round selections. These address their biggest roster needs outside of the quarterback situation.
This might be rich for Tate, but he’s as reliable as they come at receiver. He can win in various roles. No matter how the Browns fill out their pass-catching room, Tate and Harold Fannin Jr. would give their quarterback solid weapons.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell – No. 5 New York Giants
Tate is the safest wide receiver in the draft based on measurements and traits. He produced a nation-leading six receiving touchdowns of 30 or more air yards in 2025.
He has a wide catch radius thanks to his wingspan. He separates well in the middle of routes downfield, especially playing leverage in zone coverage.
However, he struggled to play through contact at the catch point against Miami in the Cotton Bowl. Tate faced mostly No. 2 corners in college while opposite Jeremiah Smith. Fortunately, he’d play opposite another true No. 1 in Malik Nabers with the Giants.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler Big Board ranking – No. 10 overall
Tate is a long, technically proficient receiver who can win at all three levels using high-level tracking/adjustment skills and catching radius. He projects as an immediate NFL starting Z with Pro Bowl upside.
