Carnell Tate — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

The Saints found their QB in the 2025 draft with the selection of Tyler Shough. Now they give him a big-play threat to play opposite Chris Olave.

A sneaky need for the Chiefs is at receiver, where they have only two players under contract beyond 2026 (Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals). This draft fell in a positive way, then, with Tate the first receiver off the board. He's a good team fit, as well. The Chiefs typically target run-after-catch guys, but too often last year, they were in need of an outside receiver who could create route separation and be a contested-catch option. Tate — he most often draws George Pickens comps from draft analysts — would be a welcome addition for new receivers coach Chad O'Shea, while also giving Patrick Mahomes a QB-friendly option for years to come.

Carnell Tate was always overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, but that's more about Smith than Tate. After all, Chris Olave and Emeka Egbuka were often overshadowed by other Buckeyes receivers, and they've turned out pretty well. Tate is smooth in everything he does. He's not a burner and isn't overly special after the catch, but he gets open routinely.

The Giants add another weapon for Jaxson Dart. Tate gives the offense a vertical receiver to play opposite a hopefully-healthy Malik Nabers.

The Commanders have made it clear that they need to get younger on defense, so a pass rusher could be tempting here. But they can't overlook their need for another receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. Tate had a fantastic 2025 season and is one of most pro-ready prospects in the class. He's a terrific route runner who makes difficult catches look routine with his awesome hands and body control. Tate averaged more than 17 yards per catch in 2025 and had at least one 40-plus-yard catch in six games. That sort of field-stretching speed and tracking ability could make him an ideal option for quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Tyler Shough did enough to get another year as the starting quarterback in New Orleans, but the Saints' wide receiver room could use a bit of juice. Tate would make a lot of sense as a strong starting wide receiver across from Chris Olave, who isn't always the most available player. The Saints could use another strong weapon on offense, and Tate might be the best wide receiver in this class.

John Harbaugh has a really specific blueprint and the Giants have some really pressing needs on their roster. However, I think they'll make a vanity pick here. They can give Jaxson Dart some help as wide receiver Malik Nabers makes his way back from an ACL tear. I think Dart is at his best when he's pushing the ball down the field, and no wide receiver in this draft was better at making contested grabs.

Tate is so good and was largely overshadowed because of Jeremiah Smith. But he was incredible down the field this past season, constantly getting open and creating space.