Carnell Tate 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report

There’s an intense debate over which team is “WRU”.  LSU and Alabama make strong cases, but Ohio State just may be the best when it comes to developing NFL wide receivers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. were all standouts for the Buckeyes before turning pro. Ohio State has had at least one wide receiver taken in the first round each of the last four years. Carnell Tate looks to extend that streak, as he is one of the top prospects at his position in 2026. Tate has taken on a larger role in the Buckeyes’ offense over his three-year career. While he isn’t the top target on his own team, Tate is still generating tons of buzz as a prospect.

2026 NFL Draft: Carnell Tate Scouting Report

Measurables

Height- 6-foot-3

Weight- 195 pounds

Background

Tate was a five-star recruit and the third-ranked wide receiver in the Class of 2023. After playing for high school football powerhouse IMG Academy (Florida), he committed to play for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have found plenty of success finding receivers, with Brian Hartline serving as the wide receivers coach since 2018. The talent with Tate was undeniable, but he entered a wide receiver room that already had Harrison and Emeka Egbuka. Tate finished 2023 with 18 catches for 264 yards and a touchdown.

With Harrison off to the NFL, it appeared Tate would emerge as WR2 for the Buckeyes. That wasn’t the case, as freshman Jeremiah Smith took the college football world by storm. Tate improved in his sophomore season, recording 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns as the Buckeyes won the National Championship.  Egbuka declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft allowed Tate to take over as the second option next to Smith. He’s had his most productive season to date, hauling in 39 catches for 711 yards and seven touchdowns through 10 games.

Strengths

Having reliable hands is an absolute must for a productive wide receiver. Tate checks this box, as he rarely drops passes and is a consistent target for his quarterback. His play strength is also impressive, displaying strong hands that allow him to win contested catches routinely. Tate has an incredible football IQ and understands the nuances of the position. He excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and at stopping his routes in open grass. Tate works the middle of the field well and is a player who can extend drives. He is capable of winning on a multitude of routes and is a threat in the short, intermediate, and deep passing game.

Weaknesses

While Tate is certainly adequate on all routes, he doesn’t possess great top-end speed, which limits him as a true deep threat. His lack of burst also means he won’t be a great player after the catch. Tate isn’t the most twitchy route runner, which raises concerns about creating space against NFL corners in man coverage. He does have a smaller frame at 195 pounds, meaning he likely translates better playing off the line of scrimmage than as an X-receiver lined up in press coverage against more physical cornerbacks.

Overview

Tate is an intriguing prospect to evaluate. His floor is very high due to his combination of football IQ and reliable hands. He is a player who wins more with technique than pure athleticism. He hasn’t been a WR1 in college, but that says more about Ohio State’s talent than him as a wide receiver. The Buckeyes’ pedigree at the position should certainly help Tate’s case as a first-round selection. He is a reliable option for a quarterback to have and should be consistently productive in the NFL. He may never be a dominant receiver, but having a consistent target in today’s game is immensely valuable.

Tate will likely be a first-round pick and an excellent fit for a contender looking to add more firepower offensively. Egbuka was never the top target in Columbus, but he has already found success at the next level. He went in the middle of the first round, which is where Tate projects to go in April.