Carnell Tate of the Ohio State Buckeyes is widely expected to be the first wide receiver selected during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Numerous reporters and analysts have predicted that Tate won’t get past the New York Giants at pick No. 5 or the Cleveland Browns at choice No. 6. While speaking with reporters at the NFL scouting combine on Friday, Tate opened up about possibly joining one of those clubs.
Carnell Tate wants to take a bite out of the Big Apple?
“That would be a great opportunity, especially playing in New York,” Tate said, per Danny Abriano of SNY. “Big showcase, also. I’d love to go out there and play in New York.”
Many assume the Giants will look to land a dynamic weapon for their passing attack during the offseason as No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers continues to recover from the campaign-ending torn ACL and meniscus he suffered in late September 2025. SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes and multiple CBS Sports personalities have predicted that the Giants won’t pass on Tate.
However, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports think that Tate could fall to the Browns at pick No. 6. Other than at running back, Cleveland realistically could look to find multiple upgrades for its offense from the start of the legal-tampering portion of free agency on March 9 through the final day of the draft.
“It would mean a lot to stay next to Columbus,” Tate said about possibly playing for the Browns, according to Stefan Krajisnik of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “Then I could go out there and see all my guys at Ohio State. I know Ohio State fans love the Cleveland Browns, so why not?”
Carnell Tate sends message to receiver-needy teams
Tate likely doesn’t need to sell himself to the Giants, Browns or any teams in need of help at his position. Nevertheless, he made it clear on Friday that he won’t lack confidence in his abilities when he takes the practice field as an NFL player for the first time.
“Everything,” Tate said about what makes him the best receiver in his draft class, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “The catching, the route running, the blocking. I got the mindset that I’m the best wide receiver in the draft class. I got the route running. I’m able to manipulate (defensive backs). I got the catching. I can catch over DBs. I’ve got the field awareness on the sidelines, a couple of sideline grabs. I also showed up in the blocking game, blocking D-ends, corners. Whatever you need, I got it.”
