The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, with the first round beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET, covered by ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. How will the first 32 picks unfold for the first night of the draft?
Rumors surrounding the wide receiver class have heated up, with Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson flying up draft boards. Ohio State WR Carnell Tate has been in position to be the first wideout selected for most of the 2026 NFL Draft process, but will that come to fruition tonight?
Below, we’ll break down the Ohio State product’s 2026 NFL Draft profile, including stats, strengths and weaknesses, and NFL comparisons. Does Tate have true WR1 potential in the NFL, garnering an early pick?
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Carnell Tate 2026 NFL Draft Profile: Combine Results & College Stats
Height: 6'2 1/4"
Weight: 192 pounds
Arm Length: 31 3/4"
Hand Span: 10 1/4"
40-Yard Dash: 4.53
10-Yard Split: 1.61
Tate’s measurables won’t knock your socks off. He isn’t known for game-breaking speed, elite burst, or incredible strength.
His lengthy frame is his best trait here. At 6'2 1/4" with long strides, Tate gains plenty of advantages in creating separation, and his lengthy wingspan leads to dominating contested catches.
Most importantly, the former five-star recruit has enough speed to be successful, proven by a 4.53 40-yard dash.
Carnell Tate Stats at Ohio State (2025)
Carnell Tate 2025 Receiving Stats: 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 TDs
Playing alongside Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith, Tate was third fiddle with 52 receptions, 733 receiving yards, and 4 receiving TDs in the 2024 season. Becoming one of OSU’s top targets alongside Smith, he increased his production to 875 receiving yards and 9 TDs in 2025.
Most importantly, Pro Football Focus credited Tate with 0 drops on 66 targets last season. His 3 drops on 67 targets weren't as impressive in 2024, but 3 drops over 133 targets in a two-season span isn’t too shabby.
He excelled at reeling in the deep ball with an average depth of target of 14.6 yards while earning a 99.9 PFF receiving grade and 453 receiving yards on 20+ yard targets in 2025.
Carnell Tate NFL Comparisons
Carnell Tate’s Best NFL Comparison:
- George Pickens
- Tee Higgins
- Allen Robinson
At Tate’s ceiling, he could produce on the level of Cowboys WR George Pickens or Bengals WR Tee Higgins. There are some strength concerns surrounding Tate and his ability to gather yards after the catch.
However, the projected top-10 draft pick still has enough speed to make plays, and he’s twitchy with impressive quickness. Tate often throws defenders off with sudden movements and “fake outs,” and that translates to yards after the catch at times.
If he consistently provides yards after the catch, comps like Pickens and Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb come into the picture. Neither of these targets boasts elite speed, but they have enough in the toolbox, paired with smooth route running and top-tier body control.
Pickens measured in at 6’3 1/4” and 195 pounds with a 4.47 40-yard dash ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, compared to Tate at 6’2 1/4” and 192 pounds with a 4.53 40-yard dash. For the 2020 NFL Draft, Lamb was recorded at 6’1 5/8” and 198 pounds with a 4.5 40-yard dash.
Perhaps a step under Pickens and Lamb, Tate has some Tee Higgins in his game. Higgins is a larger target at 6’4” and 220 pounds, but Tate’s ability to create separation with his lengthy stride while high-pointing the football in contested situations looks very similar to the Bengals’ star wideout.
Lowering our expectations, Allen Robinson also comes to mind with his 6’2”, 210-pound frame. Robinson posted a 4.60 40-yard dash. Similar to Robinson, Tate brings reliable route running, strong hands, and impressive body control.
Carnell Tate Scouting Report for 2026 NFL Draft
Carnell Tate Strengths
- Vise grips for hands
- Excellent in contested situations, driven by his length
- Smooth route running with the ability to pick apart zones
- A quarterback’s best friend, delivering in the clutch moments
- Solid run blocking should keep him on the field
Carnell Tate Weaknesses
- May need improvement against press coverage
- Is he strong enough for the next level?
- Would like to see more consistent yards after the catch
- Straight-line speed is serviceable
Our NFL comparisons gave an idea of Tate’s strengths and weaknesses. In short, he’s as reliable as it gets.
As mentioned, he rarely ever dropped the ball at Ohio State. This is even more impressive considering the sheer volume of his contested catches.
Furthermore, he consistently creates separation with silky-smooth route running. Tate has a way of throwing off defenders with jerky body movements. Plus, he has solid separation speed from lengthy strides.
Tate could use more consistent yards after the catch, but his ability to constantly reel in deep balls eases some of those worries.
Frankly, coming into this scouting report, I had my doubts about Tate becoming a WR1 in the NFL. However, think of the number of elite targets in the NFL that shine from consistent separation and winning the contested catches. You do not need elite speed to produce.
The former Buckeye has the makings of a quarterback’s best friend. It feels like he’s always open, and Tate knows how to find soft spots in zone coverages. More times than not, Tate is providing another first down or TD with his next reception.
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Carnell Tate NFL Draft Projection and Best Fit
Here is where Tate could land on draft night.
Cleveland Browns – Round 1, Pick 6
Tate’s been favored to be the first wide receiver drafted for most of this process. However, that’s changed with Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson making a late surge, fueled by interest from the Giants.
Tyson could be the No. 5 pick tonight, leading to a 1.72x payout to be the first wide receiver selected on PrizePicks Team Picks. Tate now has a 1.96x payout to be the first wideout selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While Tate may be leapfrogged on Thursday, it doesn’t really alter his potential landing spots.
Here’s a look at the payouts for which team will draft Carnell Tate on PrizePicks Team Picks.
- Cleveland Browns: Yes 2.77x | No 1.31x
- Washington Commanders: Yes 3.33x | No 1.16x
- New Orleans Saints: Yes 5x | No N/A
- Los Angeles Rams: Yes 7.14x | No N/A
Team Picks data is live as of writing and is subject to change.
The Ohio State product has been consistently linked to the Browns at No. 6 overall for weeks, as seen in our 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Cleveland needs a true WR1, and Tate could join his former Ohio State teammate, RB Quinshon Judkins.
However, there have been rumors of the Browns looking to trade back, leading to our next connection to the Washington Commanders at No. 7 overall.
After producing 727 receiving yards in 2025, WR Deebo Samuel remains a free agent, meaning the Commanders need another piece alongside WR Terry McLaurin. Will they create a former Buckeye WR duo by adding Tate next to McLaurin?
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Make 2026 NFL Draft Predictions on PrizePicks
Drama surrounds the wide receiver position headed into draft night, but Tate still seems on track to land in the sixth or seventh slot. Backed by true WR1 upside, will Tate become the next star receiver out of Ohio State?
Don’t wait until the clock starts ticking — make your 2026 NFL Draft picks on PrizePicks and earn real money if you’re right.
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