Tyler Shough was a pleasant surprise for New Orleans Saints fans this past season, as the rookie quarterback led the franchise to four wins in the final five weeks. Heading into 2026, the team will look to build on that momentum by adding another reliable receiving option, with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate projected to be their selection.
Why the Saints Are Predicted To Draft Wide Receiver Carnell Tate
This past week, PFSN’s T.J. Randall released a seven-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft, where he offered insight into all 257 picks.
When Randall reached the Saints at No. 8 overall, he projected the franchise to select none other than Tate, a 2025 All-American.
He wrote: “This is a receiving corps that could use more juice, not only as a whole, but as a building block for quarterback Tyler Shough (or whoever the quarterback of the future is if he proves incapable). With Bain Jr. still available, it wouldn’t shock me to see him come off the board here and then see New Orleans go wideout later.
“Nevertheless, they’ve done well with another former Buckeye at this position in Chris Olave. Albeit one with a history of concussions that would make a team want to have another reliable option available, hence the Carnell Tate selection.”
As Randall noted, the Saints could desperately use another reliable pass-catching option. Selecting Tate would not only offer exactly that but also pair him with another former Ohio State wide receiver, in Olave.
Together, they would form one of the NFL’s more dangerous wide receiver corps. According to PFSN’s metrics, Olave posted an 80.0 WR Impact Score, placing 24th among all receivers in 2025. Meanwhile, per PFSN’s CFB metrics, Tate recorded an 84.5 score, ranking eighth in the entire country.
Shough, who was excellent during his rookie campaign, should have no issue getting both receivers involved. Across nine starts in 2025, Shough completed 69.2% of his passes for 250.7 yards per game and 10 passing touchdowns.
The Saints signal-caller was also impressive on the ground, recording 186 rushing yards and three additional scores. Between him, recent running back signing Travis Etienne, Olave, and potentially Tate, the Saints offense should be exciting to watch in 2026.
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Additionally, playing in arguably the weakest division in football, featuring the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons, the Saints will have a prime opportunity to claim the division title and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23. It will be worth monitoring the Saints’ plans and whether they ultimately decide to go in the direction of Tate this spring.
