Carnell Tate entered the 2026 NFL Draft process widely viewed as the top wide receiver in the class. His performance at the NFL Combine sparked debate after the Ohio State standout ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash. Fan Duel TV’s Kay Adams believes the conversation around that number has been overblown.
Kay Adams Says Carnell Tate’s Film Matters More Than His 40 Time
Adams shut down the criticism, arguing that Tate’s tape shows a complete receiver whose skill set goes far beyond straight-line speed. She addressed Tate’s draft stock during a recent segment and said evaluators often make the same mistake when wide receivers post times in the mid-4.5 range.
“The Ohio State wide receiver, Carnell Tate, one thing about him is he is getting our Tetairoa McMillan slash CeeDee Lamb Award for most overthought prospect in this class,” Adams said. “We see this happen almost every year. A top wide receiver runs in the four-fives and everybody starts freaking out.”
Adams pointed to Tate’s route running and ability to win contested catches as the traits that should define his evaluation.
“When you watch him play, all he does is create separation with his route running,” Adams said. “He’s a beast when it comes to contested catches. He makes big catches in contested situations. Jump point. High point guy.”
GMs should NOT overthink drafting Ohio State WR Carnell Tate after his 4.53 40 time…
See: CeeDee Lamb and Tetairoa McMillan@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/gxwC7YYhO4
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 16, 2026
Tate’s scouting profile supports that assessment. PFSN grades him at 90.62 and ranks him as the top wide receiver in the 2026 draft class. His development at Ohio State played a major role in that evaluation.
Tate produced a 52-catch, 733-yard, 4-touchdown season in 2024 while operating as the Buckeyes’ third receiving option behind Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, who later became a first-round NFL Draft pick. His role expanded significantly the following season as his game evolved.
Film study from PFSN’s scouting report highlights the growth in Tate’s route running and technical polish. He showed improved throttle control, advanced stem work, and a strong feel for creating separation against coverage. He finished the last season as an 8th-ranked WR nationally, according to the PFSN’s CFB Wide Receiver Impact metrics.
Testing numbers from the combine included a 4.53 40-yard dash and a 1.61 10-yard split. Those figures fueled debate about whether Tate possesses elite top-end speed compared to other receivers in the class.
Adams dismissed that concern and pointed to recent NFL stars who entered the league with similar testing profiles.
“Take a look at the other guys who ran four-fives at the combine,” Adams said. “Are these not the biggest stars?”
The comparison she raised includes Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, whose success has been built on precise route running, body control, and strong hands rather than elite timed speed.
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Draft projections still place Tate firmly in the first-round conversation. PFSN’s most recent seven-round mock draft projects him to be selected No. 5 overall by the New York Giants.
Adams believes the debate will continue leading up to draft night. Tate’s performance on the field tells the real story about his value as a prospect.
