As the Washington Commanders continue to shape an offense designed around Jayden Daniels, an emphasis on creating matchup advantages on the perimeter and improving efficiency in the intermediate passing game remains a focus this spring.
Washington has added speed and complementary weapons over the last few drafts in Jaylin Lane (2025) and Luke McCaffrey (2024), but the offense still lacks a reliable perimeter target who can win against man coverage and consistently convert in high-leverage situations opposite Terry McLaurin.
With that in mind, let's dive into the tape of Carnell Tate, whose combination of size, route-running, and competitive toughness would give the Commanders a steady presence on the outside.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
Notes:
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 205 pounds
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.48–4.55 seconds
Recruiting: Five-star prep talent, top-25 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class.
College Production: Multi-year contributor in a loaded Ohio State receiver room. Efficient production with strong third-down and red-zone usage -- totaled 1,872 receiving yards and 14 TDs during his three seasons in Columbus.
Positives:
- Pro-ready route runner with advanced understanding of leverage and spacing. Consistently wins at the top of routes.
- Strong hands and excellent ball skills. Comfortable catching through contact and in traffic.
- Physical play style as a receiver. Uses frame well to shield defenders and finish plays.
- Reliable contested-catch presence on the perimeter. Times jumps well and attacks the football.
- High football intelligence. Quickly adjusts to coverage rotations and quarterback timing.
- Willing and effective blocker on the outside. Adds value in the run game and on screens.
Tate offers the type of dependable skill set that quarterbacks trust early. He may not dominate with elite speed, but his ability to consistently get open and secure the football makes him a stabilizing force in an offense. For Washington, he would project as a high-floor starter capable of handling a large volume of targets.
Negatives:
- Lacks true top-end speed to consistently separate vertically against elite corners.
- Lacks sudden, twitchy movement skills compared to smaller slot receivers.
- Yards-after-catch production is more functional than dynamic.
Tate is the type of receiver who thrives in structure and timing-based offenses, but may not overwhelm defenses with raw athleticism. His floor, however, is extremely high.
Carnell Tate NFL Player Comparison: Michael Pittman Jr.
The comparison is based on play strength, route polish, and competitiveness rather than identical athletic profiles. Like Pittman, Tate wins with physicality, ball skills, and consistency and can be a quarterback’s security blanket on the perimeter.
NFL Draft Grade: Day 1 Selection
While he may not be the flashiest prospect in the class, his readiness and reliability make him a strong first-round candidate. For Washington, Tate would project as a Day 1 starter who brings physicality, sure hands, and outstanding route-running to the passing game. Sound familiar to another former Buckeye turned Commander?