Carnell Tate is one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and many have him slated to go in the top 10. Tate was disappointed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which was much slower than many had hoped.
However, there is some controversy around his 40 time, as many believe it was inaccurate due to claims that multiple NFL executives clocked him faster than the official time listed.
Adam Schefter and Mike Florio Trade Shots at Each Other Amidst Carnell Tate Situation
Adam Schefter is one of the most respected insiders, not only in the NFL but in all of sports. The senior NFL insider for ESPN was one of the first to suggest that he heard many GMs and executives had Tate’s 40-yard dash time somewhere between 4.45 and 4.47 seconds.
While many didn’t question Schefter’s sources, Mike Florio, creator and Editor in Chief of Pro Football Talk, took a shot at Schefter’s reporting, as currying favor for Tate’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
“Did Schefter canvass multiple teams for their numbers, or did he simply copy and paste a text from Rosenhaus,” Florio asked. “Given the way the insider sausage gets made, the far safer bet is the latter.”
The question is one many have wondered about when reports emerge that veterans who have not played in some time are attracting significant interest from teams.
While it is plausible that this may happen more than people think, it is unheard of for one insider to call out another with such an accusation.
Schefter quickly responded on social media, posting screenshots of texts from seven unnamed sources. “Just to prove you’re wrong, again,” Schefter said in response to Florio’s accusations.
Just to prove you’re wrong, again. pic.twitter.com/6xmfFhotqy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2026
Florio has yet to address Schefter’s response. While Tate’s 40-yard dash time undoubtedly raised questions and sparked debate, his talent and tape are undeniable.
Tate ranked as the No. 8 wide receiver in PFSN’s College Wide Receiver Impact Metric (WRi), catching 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games. He was an integral part of an offense that ranked No. 3 in PFSN’s College Offense Impact Metric (OFFi).
The Tate controversy will be worth monitoring not only for his own draft stock, but also for the public relationship between two respected NFL insiders.
It’s unclear how much his performance will affect his draft stock, if at all, but he remains firmly in play as a top 15 draft selection.
Tate will look to join the likes of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Terry McLaurin, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Emeka Egbuka as the next wide receiver from what some have referred to as ‘Wide Receiver University’ at Ohio State, to succeed at the NFL level.
