Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) makes a catch for a touchdown Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, during the Big Ten football championship against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

NFL Draft: New Orleans Saints could build a juggernaut around Tyler Shough

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Mar 17, 2026 1:03 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints are all-in on second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, and might be about to add an elite burner to his supporting cast during the NFL Draft.

New Orleans took a big swing, adding top free agent running back Travis Etienne, and might be about to double down around their young quarterback with an upgrade at the receiver position next month.

NFL Draft 2026: Could the New Orleans Saints be eyeing Carnell Tate?

Even with Chris Olave in the fold, the Saints could prioritize getting a field-stretching threat for Shough in the first-round of April’s NFL Draft.

Over at ESPN, that’s exactly how Round 1 unfolds in top analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft projection.

“They need to surround second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with as much talent as possible,” Kiper writes, for ESPN. “And the No. 2 wide receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele (25 receptions last season). Tate brings a well-rounded scouting report, with solid route running and the ability to come down with tough catches thanks to his hands and body control. He’d be great opposite Chris Olave — yet another excellent receiver to come out of Ohio State in recent years.”

Tate is the premier receiver in this year’s class, and could be the kind of foundational centerpiece who launches a Saints revival around Shough.

Last season, Tate caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, which could just be scratching the surface of what he’s capable of doing, landing opposite a fellow Buckeye in head coach Kellen Moore’s scheme.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) celebrates a touchdown Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, during the Big Ten football championship against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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