Entering the 2026 NFL Combine, Carnell Tate is widely regarded as the WR1 in this draft class. While some top players have opted to skip the NFL Combine, Tate has decided to participate in certain parts, including the 40-yard dash. Here’s everything you know about Tate’s game and his performance at the 2026 NFL Combine.
Carnell Tate’s Scouting Report and NFL Draft Projection
Here is Tate’s scouting report from PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator: “Carnell Tate is PFSN’s WR1 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and a true X-factor in waiting. He first showed promise with a 52-733-4 receiving line in 2024, producing in spite of his place as the Buckeyes’ third option alongside Jeremiah Smith and first-round NFL Draft pick Emeka Egbuka. But in 2024, Tate’s technical feel was still underdeveloped. He was primarily a vertical threat for Ohio State, who lacked polish.
“He flipped the script 180 degrees in 2025, reinventing his game and becoming a true route running expert with rare sink, throttle control, and stem IQ for his size. Tate still has the long-strider range, body control, and logic-defying catch-point focus that makes him so potent in 50-50 situations (he boasts a jaw-dropping 28.2% catch rate over expectation, per TruMedia), but at the same time, he’s a deadly multi-level separator who can win 1-on-1, convert on clutch downs, and generate big plays. He’s not an overly dynamic RAC threat, but as a complete X-receiver, Tate has All-Pro upside within the exceedingly uncommon and invaluable George Pickens mold.”
In PFSN’s most recent seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft, Tate was projected to get selected at No. 5 overall by the New York Giants.
“Their record didn’t exactly show it, but the New York Giants played tough against many talented teams in 2025,” wrote PFSN’s Jacob Infate. “They received encouraging early returns from Jaxson Dart, and if they want to take their offense to the next level, it will be critical to add some more talent to their pass-catching corps.
“Carnell Tate can go under the radar sometimes at Ohio State with all the talent they’ve had there, but a good argument can be made that he’s the top wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. He brings an enticing combination of raw size and high speed that makes him a valuable vertical threat, and his body control attacking the ball in the air is tremendous.”
Tate’s NFL Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.53
- 10-Yard Split:Â 1.61
- Vertical Jump:Â DNP
- Broad Jump:Â DNP
- 3-Cone Drill:Â DNP
- 20-Yard Shuttle:Â DNP
- Bench Press:Â DNP
Note: This section will be updated later once NFL Combine results are available. Wide receiver workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine are scheduled for this afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
