Most of the late buzz surrounding the Washington Commanders centers on Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Several respected insiders and analysts have the prospect heading to join quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, though there are many unknowns attached before this scenario becomes reality.
Before then, Tate inadvertently spilled the tea on who Daniels really wants the Commanders to draft.
It's no secret that Daniels needs more productive playmakers on offense. Unless one of the wideouts behind Terry McLaurin surges into a different stratosphere, general manager Adam Peters cannot go into the campaign with things as they stand. The signal-caller is banging the table for Brandon Aiyuk, but that is still risky.
Jayden Daniels hoping Carnell Tate is drafted by the Commanders at No. 7
Tate is gifted. And during a conversation with Kay Adams on the Up and Adams Show, the Buckeys' standout delved deeper into the messages being exchanged with Daniels on social media, who wants the pass-catcher in Washington.
"We reached out over social media. We've had a little text going back and forth. He just said hopefully it all works out, and you end up here. He was just wishing me well."
Jayden Daniels DM'ed WR Carnell Tate saying that he hopes Tate gets drafted by the Commanders...
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 23, 2026
Washington owns the No. 7 pick 👀 @carnelltate | @JayD__5 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/a0km53Yn4X
This was pretty telling. Peters won't draft Tate just because Daniels wants him, but it doesn't diminish his cause, that's for sure.
It's also a pretty good fit for the scheme that the new offensive coordinator, David Blough, plans to run. Tate is a fluid mover — a three-level technician who thrives in the intermediate area of the field. He's not a burner by any stretch, but there is enough speed to gain an advantage once separation is generated.
Daniels admitted he is being more vocal about what he wants this offseason. Whether it's the scheme being run by Blough or any potential additions, the No. 2 pick in 2024 wants a bigger say. Peters' decision to sign his old college teammate Rachaad White, coupled with the ongoing rumors around Aiyuk, indicates that his voice is being heard.
Whether this trend continues during the draft is undetermined.
It's a volatile board after Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 and the New York Jets take either David Bailey or Arvell Reese. Peters may not even get the chance to draft Tate if a team ahead of them is enamored. But if he is available, Daniels' reported desire may just tip the scales.
Maybe Tate said too much. But considering he also has a relationship with McLaurin, who also came from Ohio State, it's not hard to see why hype is building at the right time.
Let's see if it becomes official in the coming hours.
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