The NFL Draft is only weeks away, and the Washington Commanders will be selecting at No. 7 overall. It's anyone's guess who they'll pick, but a few options have risen to the top of the projected board.
Prior to free agency, the obvious fits were safety Caleb Downs and edge rushers David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. Linebacker Sonny Styles and running back Jeremiyah Love have also been frequently mentioned, but it's another option who is starting to feel like a perfect fit.
That would be Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. And if the Commanders choose him, they'll have quite the duo of former Buckeyes on their hands.
Carnell Tate could pair with Terry McLaurin as an elite one-two punch of star Ohio State alums
Throughout his seven-year NFL career, the Commanders have never had a true complement to two-time Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin. Deebo Samuel Sr. was supposed to be that guy last year, but he was always a short-term option, and the two of them didn't get to play much together due to injuries.
Adam Peters will have a chance to change that in three weeks, and he should have the opportunity to draft McLaurin a co-star from his alma mater. The success rate for Ohio State wide receivers in recent drafts has been exceptionally high: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Emeka Egbuka have all panned out as first-round picks since 2022.
Tate should be the next high-profile name on that list, scouted as a strong route runner with impressive size who specializes in making contested grabs. Last season, he caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns while playing as the second option in his offense behind Jeremiah Smith.
He would be an ideal No. 2 option to begin his career, with potential to grow into the star of Washington's receiving corps. If 2026 ends up being McLaurin's last season as a Commander, as has been floated in some rumors, they'll need someone to pass the torch to.
In the meantime, McLaurin and Tate could combine to form one of the league's most potent wideout combos in David Blough's new offense next fall. As long as quarterback Jayden Daniels stays healthy, they could headline an array of offensive weapons that leads Washington back to the postseason.
If the Commanders draft Tate, they'll have a chance to create what could be one of the most intriguing narratives of the 2026 season. We'll see if Peters makes the call.