Carnell Tate is one of the best wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft class and arguably the top overall prospect at his position. Some have become concerned with his relatively disappointing time in the 40-yard dash, but a scout explained why they shouldn’t be.
Why One NFL Scout Isn’t Concerned by Carnell Tate’s 40-Yard Dash Time
The 40-yard dash is always one of the most talked-about events during each offseason, including at the NFL Combine and at certain Pro Day workouts. It seems to be extremely important when analyzing prospects in particular positions, with wide receivers being maybe the most notable.
Tate was officially clocked at 4.53 seconds, which is considered to be below average for his position. An NFL scout pointed out that this is not a problem at all and could even be a positive development, per Go Long’s Tyler Dunne and Bob McGinn.
“He’s not overly explosive, but a smooth-moving dude with great hands. I had him at 4.5. All the best receivers are 4.5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is 4.52, Puka Nacua is 4.6, Davante Adams is 4.55. Who’s the last 4.3 that’s a great receiver? Tyreek Hill? It’s amazing. We make such a big deal out of 40 times with receivers, but then just go down the list of great receivers. None of them ran 4.4, 4.3,” explained the scout.
Fascinating back ‘n forth from scouts to @BobMcGinn on the No. 1 WR in this class: Ohio State’s Carnell Tate.
Here’s one scout’s take:
“Not overly explosive but a smooth-moving dude. Great hands. I had him at 4.5. All the best receivers are 4.5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is 4.52. Puka… pic.twitter.com/8Aq54F7Tkt— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) March 27, 2026
Smith-Njigba was named the Offensive Player of the Year for last season, while Nacua finished on top of PFSN’s Impact Rankings among all wide receivers. This justifies the scout’s point that some of the best players at this position ran relatively slower 40-yard dash times. This can potentially work in Tate’s favor, as the opposite examples haven’t quite worked out in recent years.
Matthew Golden and Xavier Worthy are the most recent examples of wide receivers who were drafted in the first round mostly due to their blazing-fast 40 times. They have both been fairly disappointing relative to where they were drafted, though it’s also important to mention that they are both still at the earliest stages of their careers, so that can change.
What can’t be denied is that Smith-Njigba, Nacua, and even Adams are well ahead of the speedsters when it comes to current production on the football field. Amon-Ra St. Brown (4.61) and George Pickens (4.47) are other ideal examples of this theory. The Ohio State Buckeyes star, who currently ranks as the second wide receiver and ninth overall prospect on PFSN’s Big Board, can potentially be the next example of this trend.
