2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Ohio State WR Carnell Tate. Plus: grades and schematic fit

Updated: 04/12/2026

Note: This season, I’m posting full scouting reports of a ton of players — as well as written columns on some of the top or most intriguing prospects. This is the format I file to scouting services, and that mirrors the “one sheets” you see in NFL front offices — with some explanations about position critical traits for readers. The written-through columns will have deeper explanations on some of the scouting terms and, more importantly, why they matter. Those will come throughout the draft cycle. But I’ve had requests for these quick reports, and so here they are! I’ve updated my process this season, based on the Chargers model that stems from Michigan and is now used in Baltimore and Seattle. If you want to understand more about the changes and any verbiage, I broke the process down on the first scouting evaluations podcast with Jon Ledyard.

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2026 NFL Draft Hub

Prospect: Carnell Tate | Jersey #: 17 | Pro Pos.: WR | College Pos.: WR

School: Ohio State | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192lbs | Speed: 4.53; 1.61

Explosive Index: N/A | Age: 21.1 (Jr) | Final Grade: 7.80 (Quality Starter)

Draft Projection: Top-10

STRONG POINTS:

· A tall, lean receiver who is smoother than fast. A long strider who lacks quick twitch off the ball or out of his break. More of a gliding runner who can decelerate and sink at the top of his stem.

· Plays through contact at the catch-point. Makes tough, combat catches and holds onto the ball when getting hit with a sledgehammer. Struggled in that area in 2024 and massively improved in 2025.

· Effective eating up the cushion against off-coverage. Attacks the leverage. Has an OK release package against the press but prefers to sink his frame and slap away. Wins with his upper half, fighting off the jam, rather than with quick feet. Has enormous hands and relies on a two-hand punch to get press defenders out of his frame.