The Cleveland Browns are heading into a new era with Todd Monken at the helm, and Ohio State star Carnell Tate could play a key role in that era. While the team figures out whether to start Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, securing the receiving corps is also important.
Why should Cleveland go after Tate in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Why Analyst Tony Grossi Thinks Carnell Tate Would Be the Best Receiver on the Browns
Tate is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. Having spent three years under head coach Ryan Day in Ohio, the young receiver is expected to be a strong asset wherever he lands in the pros (84.5 PFSN CFB WR Impact).
Browns analyst Tony Grossi was interviewed on ESPN Cleveland, where he was asked about Tate’s potential.
“I think he is [the best WR in this draft],” Grossi said. “Most of the experts believe he’s either No. 1 or No. 2. I think you can overanalyze it if you go beyond that. He would definitely be the best receiver on [the Browns], and he fills a need. It seems pretty obvious.”
“He definitely would be the best WR on this team,” – @TonyGrossi on why he likes the Browns taking Carnell Tate at no. 6 overall. https://t.co/mqFJJPbomh pic.twitter.com/rUq6msDavJ
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) March 18, 2026
Cleveland has the No. 6 pick in the draft, making it a favorite to land Tate. The Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 are widely seen as a lock to go for Fernando Mendoza. Then the New York Jets have more of a quarterback problem to solve than a wide receiver issue, given that they have Garrett Wilson out wide.
The Arizona Cardinals, at No. 3, already have a strong receiving corps featuring Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. Moreover, they have to avoid starting Jacoby Brissett at quarterback for another year.
The Tennessee Titans could pose a threat to the Browns drafting Tate, with a small chance of going for the Buckeyes star. Tennessee added Wan’Dale Robinson to a wide receiver room that already features Calvin Ridley, but that doesn’t necessarily rule them out of the race for Tate.
Finally, Cleveland has to cross its fingers that Joe Schoen doesn’t feel like adding Tate to an already solid New York Giants offense featuring Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Isaiah Likely. The odds are slim, but Big Blue’s aggressive push to make the playoffs shouldn’t be underestimated.
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Ultimately, the Browns have the biggest need among them for a new wide receiver. Jerry Jeudy hasn’t been up to form, and adding Tate could open up the seventh-year wideout’s game.
Bolstering the receiving corps could also be the difference between Cleveland making a playoff push and them suffering yet another dumpster fire of a season.
