TribLive is highlighting the top prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The three-day event is April 23-25.

Carnell Tate

Position: Wide receiver

Height/weight: 6-foot-2/192 pounds

College: Ohio State

Tate could be the top receiver in this year’s draft despite never leading his own team in receiving.

That’s no knock on Tate’s talents but a testament to the receivers Ohio State has had recently. Former teammates Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka were first-round draft picks in 2024 and ’25, respectively. This past season, sophomore star Jeremiah Smith led the Buckeyes.

Regardless, Tate has emerged as the likely WR1 in this draft class thanks to his strong route running and reliable hands. A second-team All-American last season, the junior made 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 starts. He missed three games to injury.

His speed came into question at the NFL Combine when he finished 27th among receivers with a 4.53-second time in the 40-yard dash. However, draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted in his NFL.com profile that Tate “builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks.”

Tate played 39 games for Ohio State over three seasons with 26 starts. He compiled 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns on 121 career receptions.

Key stat

0 — Number of passes dropped by Tate, who was targeted 66 times last season, according to Pro Football Focus stats.

Did you know?

Tate celebrates touchdowns by blowing a kiss to his late mother, Ashley Griggs, who was killed in 2023 during a drive-by shooting in Chicago.

On draft

Here is a look at where the top NFL Draft analysts rank Tate among players at his position and prospects overall:

Draft expert — WR/Overall

Mel Kiper Jr. — second/eighth

Daniel Jeremiah — first/sixth

Todd McShay — first/10th

Field Yates — first/seventh

Quotable

“I’ve got the mindset of (being) the best in the draft class. I’ve got the route running, I’m able to manipulate DBs, catch over defenders, sideline awareness, blocking — whatever you need, I’ve got.”

— Tate to reporters at the NFL Combine