Carnell Tate is the latest Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver who will make an impact on the NFL Draft if he declares. After a 2025 season in which he hauled in 48 catches for 838 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns, Tate has emerged as one of the top wideouts in the nation.
With all eyes on teammate Jeremiah Smith, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout proved he could also be a focal target on offense. With is route-running, reliable hands and ability to take the top off the defense, Tate is an offensive playmaker who projects as a top 15 pick, especially with his versatility as a receiver.
It is that flexibility to line up inside or outside that makes Tate a player who is tough to defend. Although he is not known as a burner type of receiver, he has the speed to beat defenders down the field and the strength to win in press coverage.
In all, a wide receiver NFL teams with a franchise quarterback in place will love to have as an option on the field.
Carnell Tate is a “pro-ready” wideout with the ability to impact the NFL
Is Tate a top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
ESPN’s Matt Miller has Tate ranked as a top 8 prospect in his latest 2026 NFL Draft rankings. That puts him above LSU’s Makai Lemon and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. Miller sees Tate as a receiver who can be a No. 1 receiver at the NFL level. He hasn’t got to show that ability playing next to Smith, but what Ohio State alum Emeka Egbuka is doing in the NFL as a rookie, Tate also could flourish at the next level.
He writes
“Another year, another top 10 wide receiver prospect for the Buckeyes. Tate is a big receiver with elite contested-catch ability down the field, along with strong hands and body control that allow him to consistently win on 50-50 passes. Tate's penchant for sitting in space and picking up tough yards makes him a pro-ready WR1. He might not have elite top-end speed, but Tate's ability to box out defenders and create separation on routes makes him special.”
Also Read: Top landing spots for USC Trojans WR Makai Lemon in the 2026 NFL Draft
Which teams selecting in the top 15 could be a special landing spot for Tate? Here are 3 top NFL fits for the Ohio State star if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
3 NFL teams in position to land Carnell Tate
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints are an intriguing fit for Carnell Tate. Although he wouldn’t be an instant WR1 with the Saints hoping to ink Chris Olave to a long-term deal, he would be a great second option for Tyler Shough in Year 2. If the contract talks with Olave leads to the two sides parting ways, then Tate would be a suitable replacement. With that the Saints would be replacing one Ohio State receiver with another instead of pairing the two as a dynamic duo in the NFL. Saints would rather the latter.
Other first round options for the Saints: Jordyn Tyson (WR), Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE), Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE)
Cleveland Browns:
Carnell Tate could end up staying right in the state of Ohio if the Browns decided to use the first of their two first round picks on him. The Browns are an interesting fit for Tate because they are a team that could use a big target at the wide receiver position. They don’t have the established quarterback but given what Shedeur Sanders could do in getting the ball down the field, Tate could be a big-time playmaker in the Browns’ offense, especially with Harold Fannin Jr at tight end and a healthy Quinshon Judkins at running back. Add Tate to the mix and the Browns would be entertaining at the least.
Other first round options for the Browns: Jordyn Tyson (WR), Kadyn Proctor (T), Makai Lemon (WR)
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans could go in any direction with their top pick, but if the focus is on building around Cam Ward offensively, then Carnell Tate is a player they must consider as a potential WR1. Yes, the Titans have Calvin Ridley, but he has been sidelined with a broken fibula, and quite frankly has been a disappointment. They could move on from him and continue their youth movement with a player like Tate. Given Ward’s ability to emphasize in the pocket, a route runner like Tate who can win contested catches would be a luxury for the quarterback in his second year in the NFL.
Other first round options for the Titans: Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE), Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE), Jeremiyah Love (RB)