Overview

Carnell Tate broke out at wide receiver for Ohio State in the 2024 season, massing 700+ yards and 4 touchdowns. His ability to make plays downfield and in contested catch situations highlights his good hands and tier 1 body control. Tate’s route running continues to improve and impress, at 6’3” he’s remarkably pliable getting in and out of his breaks like a smaller receiver. He has a smooth release with room to improve, even if its seldom tested. High leverage IQ and and short explosives give him the ability to create separation in a short area against man defenders. He has impressive timing and is a burgeoning route technician especially against zone cover, finding open spaces in coverage.

Beyond his receiving skills, Tate is a very advanced blocker with excellent hand usage, aggression, and leverage – especially for a slight frame. Additionally, Ryan Day deploys him on the move as a blocker and a receiver, and his knack for timing shows there as well.

Top 5 Wide Receivers for the 2026 NFL Draft

Athletic profile

He’s not a pure burner (in the 4.5+ range) but has elite quickness, agility, and leaping ability, and great sustain on his final drive which make him a vertical threat with the capability to make explosive plays. His quickness off the line is linear in uncontested and inside release situations. Throttling up and down at full stride is probably his weakest athletic attribute, but has impressive quickness in short areas for his size. His elite length at the position shows in contested catch scenarios, and in his stride which is enormous at a full sprint and makes him a threat after a missed tackle. Weight might be a concern at the NFL level, much more so the more reps and work he gets in the box.

Strengths

The kind of polished Buckeye wideout we have come to expect

Fearless in the box and at the line as blocker

Ropey athleticsm that is to be feared at his postion

Enormous upside to go with his polish if he works on his release

Confounding to defenses split at Z

Weaknesses / Areas to Improve

Work on X positional details (read press coverage) is a must to reach potential

Is very good, but not elite, by explosive measures

Elite play strength doesn’t assuage worries about frame size

Draft projection
Overall, Carnell Tate’s combination of route technique, athleticism, and well developed blocking skills make him a versatile wide receiver with tremendous upside. Tate already has the tools to contribute on an NFL roster, and is primed for the kind of run-game attached weapon that NFL coordinators love. He should leave the draft board no later than 20 no higher than and could find himself in rare top-10 air with a strong finish to 2025.

prospect comp • Devonte Smith -> Pickens

system fit • modern West Coast or Spread