Former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate formed a devastating duopoly with the talented Jeremiah Smith as the Buckeyes’ explosive offense rolled over teams last season. After a stellar junior season in Columbus, Tate declared for the NFL Draft, where he is expected to be an early first-round pick on draft night.
Carnell Tate Set To Extend Buckeyes WR Draft Legacy
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst Alec Elijah predicted that the New Orleans Saints would select Tate with the No. 8 pick on draft night. The pick would solidify Tate’s position as the 2026 NFL Draft class’s first wide receiver off the board, ahead of Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and USC’s Makai Lemon.
“After trading away Rashid Shaheed, the New Orleans Saints face a clear need: finding a complementary weapon for Chris Olave. Selecting a true X-receiver like Carnell Tate from Ohio State could provide exactly that, giving the offense a reliable deep threat capable of stretching defenses vertically,” Elijah wrote.
“For a young quarterback like Tyler Shough, pairing with a polished, physical receiver offers more than just production. Tate’s ability to consistently win 50-50 balls and command attention downfield can accelerate Shough’s development and build confidence in taking more aggressive shots.”
The Buckeyes have a certified track record of producing several wide receivers selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. In 2024, Marvin Harrison Jr. was picked No. 4 overall by the Arizona Cardinals; Jaxon Smith-Njigba, No. 20 by the Seattle Seahawks (2023); Garrett Wilson, No. 10 by the New York Jets; and Chris Olave, No. 11 by the Saints (both 2022).
ESPN Draft Guru Lavishes Praise on Tate’s NFL-Readiness
During Friday’s segment of the “First Draft” show, ESPN draft guru Field Yates linked the Washington Commanders with a move for Tate on draft night to replenish their depleted wide receivers room, while paying the former Buckeyes star a huge compliment.
“They (Commanders) were playing people off their practice squad this past season, definitely got tested in their depth due to injury. I think Carnell Tate is on the shortlist, if not the most pro-ready prospect in the class,” Yates said.
“This guy is just a professional route runner. Excellent body control. Great on some of those sideline routes and sideline catches. A vertical threat with over 17 yards per catch this past season. He is ready to rock.”
Tate registered 875 receiving yards on 51 receptions, resulting in 9 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last season, earning a respectable PFSN College Wide Receivers Impact score of 84.5.
