During ESPN’s First mini mock midseason draft, Carnell Tate became the Buckeye wideout everyone was talking about, and possibly the next top-five offensive star to come out of Ohio State.
Field Yates projected Tate to the New York Giants at No. 5 overall, praising his polish and readiness. “His route running, his strength, his hands…all of it is so good,” Yates said. “He looks ready from day one.” Then he added what sounded like a personal endorsement:
“Carnell Tate is my guy. Every week I watch him and think, this is one of the ten best players I’ve seen all season.”
Tate has flourished even while sharing the field with sophomore sensation Jeremiah Smith, who isn’t even draft eligible until 2027. That has only enhanced Tate’s stock, according to Mel Kiper Jr., who said the dynamic between the two has allowed Tate to shine.
“Having Jeremiah Smith on the other side has allowed Carnell Tate to go wild,” Kiper said. “If you polled people in the league right now, Carnell Tate would be wide receiver one.”
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Host Mike Greenberg could already picture Tate’s NFL fit, calling a potential Giants offense with Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabors, and Carnell Tate “one of the most dynamic looking offenses in the NFL overnight.”
Kiper, who calls Ohio State “wide receiver U,” reminded viewers that drafting a Buckeye receiver has paid off lately. “You draft a wide receiver from Ohio State lately and it’s been a good idea,” he said, listing Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as proof.
Tate’s blend of strength, precision, and maturity has scouts convinced he’s next in line. “He’s pro-ready,” Yates said. “It’s just good, clean football tape.”
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