Ohio State’s Carnell Tate: Week 10 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Carnell Tate, a wide receiver from Ohio State, is drawing significant attention as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. Ranked No. 9 overall on the latest draft boards, Tate is becoming a crucial player for NFL teams evaluating prospects.

Carnell Tate’s NFL Draft Potential

Entering the 2025 football season, Tate, a former five-star recruit, initially struggled for playing time behind teammates Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith. However, he has now established himself as a primary target. His impressive performance makes him a compelling wide receiver candidate for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

In 2024, Tate recorded 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. He has already surpassed his touchdown total in 2025 and is on track for career highs in multiple categories. His metrics reflect his development, boasting an 83.2 grade in the PFSN CFB WRi, ranking him as the 11th-best receiver nationally. Additionally, he generates an average of 1.13 EPA per target and showcases a remarkable 25.8% catch rate over expectation.

Physical Attributes and Skill Set

Tate stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 195 pounds. He combines size with remarkable vertical leaping ability and body control at the catch point. While concerns around his route running persisted, particularly in 2024, Tate has transformed into a highly skilled route runner in 2025. He can effectively use his speed and agility to outmaneuver defenders.

• Strengths:
  • Excellent catch rate under pressure
  • Ability to make complex adjustments on difficult catches
  • Strong hand strength and coordination
• Areas for Improvement:
  • Navigating space on shorter routes
  • Consistency in pressing and pacing

Despite limited run-after-catch skills compared to some peers, Tate is a viable WR1 prospect. His play style resembles that of established receivers like Amani Toomer and George Pickens, which has heightened his draft stock.

Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities

Ohio State did not play in Week 9, but prepares for a challenging matchup in Week 10 against the Penn State Nittany Lions. This game represents an opportunity for Tate to showcase his talents against a strong secondary, featuring potential NFL caliber players like A.J. Harris and Elliot Washington. Facing this level of competition will bolster Tate’s evaluation for the draft.

Draft Projections for Carnell Tate

Currently, Tate is predicted to be selected around the 10th overall position in the NFL Draft. His average draft position (ADP) stands at 10.9 as of late October, marking him as a consistent first-round target. The Cleveland Browns have shown notable interest in drafting Tate, selecting him for 2.2% of their roster picks, including 3.3% of their first-round selections.

Tate’s Position Among NFL Draft Prospects

As of October 2026, Carnell Tate ranks third among wide receiver prospects, trailing only Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon. His top-10 overall position signifies his elite status within the draft class, positioning him as a strong candidate for teams seeking impact players in the 2026 NFL Draft.