The Cleveland Browns are one of six teams holding multiple first-round picks in the NFL Draft, putting them in a very comfortable position to address roster needs, especially with the No. 6 pick offering a wide range of possibilities.
There is a clear need to strengthen the wide receiver group, which currently has Jerry Jeudy as its primary weapon but is coming off a disappointing season. The good news is that the Browns could select the top receiver in the class and, in the process, please the local fanbase by drafting a prospect from the same state.
Browns Predicted To Draft Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
The Browns entered a new phase with head coach Todd Monken, the former offensive coordinator of division rival Baltimore Ravens, and he knows he needs weapons to execute his game plan. Cleveland’s offense was uninspiring in 2025, ranking last in the NFL in the PFSN Offense Impact Metric with an impact score of 52.0.
Shedeur Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson for the starting quarterback job, and while his game still needs refinement, he didn’t receive much help from the group of skill players. Jeudy had a disappointing season, but Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as the standout, and the offense still lacks a true second wide receiver to expand its options.
That’s where Carnell Tate comes in, the Ohio State wide receiver fans are hoping the franchise selects with the No. 6 pick in the draft. In PFSN’s new 7-round mock draft, Jacob Infante fulfilled that wish, explaining that Tate fits the profile Cleveland is looking for and has star potential in a few years.
“Carnell Tate flew under the radar at times 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,” Infante wrote. “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.”
PFSN’s scouting report on Tate further highlights how the Ohio State star will be a perfect addition for the Browns. “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,” the report noted.
His production may not be the most eye-catching, but that reflects Ohio State’s loaded roster, where Tate was the WR2 behind Jeremiah Smith. Still, he recorded 14 touchdowns over three years in college and showed on tape that he has the potential to become a true NFL star.
Much like Justin Jefferson played a secondary role alongside Ja’Marr Chase at LSU, Tate could emerge as a WR1 once he reaches the NFL and sees a larger target share.
His ability to win deep against defensive backs and make contested catches could greatly help Sanders, who is still adjusting to the speed of the pro game.
There is also the possibility that Cleveland uses one of its first-round picks on the offensive line, but it will be hard to pass on Tate if he is available on the board, especially given his ties to the state of Ohio. It’s a pick that simply makes too much sense not to happen.
