The San Francisco 49ers may soon turn to Ohio State for their next offensive weapon. Early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft suggest that wide receiver Carnell Tate is on the team’s radar, and evaluators see him as a player who could quickly elevate an already talented roster.
Carnell Tate Emerges as a Top Target
PFSN’s Owain Jones observed that Tate belongs to the long line of Ohio State receivers who have developed into first-round talents. At 6’2” and 191 pounds, he explained that Tate uses his size to be a potent run blocker and combines football IQ, ball tracking, and refined technique to project as a prolific player at the next level.
Ian Cummings of PFSN highlighted Tate’s growth as a route runner. He acknowledged initial concerns about Tate’s hip sink, flexibility, and nuance, but added that Tate has put those worries to rest with his 2025 tape.
Cummings wrote that Tate now looks like a new player as a separator while still retaining the vertical ability and catch-point instincts that made him compelling in the first place.
One scouting report compared Tate and three of Ohio State’s premier wideouts in Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Emeka Egbuka. The evaluator concluded that Tate stands out most for his hands, which were described as the best of any Buckeyes receiver studied since 2021.
Statistics support this assessment. In 2024, Tate recorded 52 receptions on 70 targets, finishing with a catch rate of more than 74 percent.
Analysts noted only one actual drop across those opportunities, which came in the College Football Playoff against Texas. His ability to cleanly secure passes, often without leaving the ground, has become a defining strength.
Tate also demonstrates value͏ away from the ball. He is frequently praised for his selflessness and ͏blocking ability, with evaluators͏ pointing to moments where his hustle͏ to create opportunities for ͏teammates was ͏more impressive than his catches.
His skill set has ͏been described as ͏sudden, fluid, and adaptable,͏ with ͏the ability to line up inside or outside, ͏create leverage, and work back to his quarterback when plays break ͏down.
While ͏scouting reports are͏ careful to search for flaws, consistent weaknesses are difficult to find. Some evaluators pointed out͏ that his contested catch ability is not always dominant, but overall,͏ his versatility, ͏deceptive pacing, and precise route running make him a standout prospect.
If the 49ers do turn to͏ Carn͏ell Tate in͏ the 2026 NFL ͏Draft͏, they may be securing the next in a long line of Ohio State receivers who transition seamlessly to the NFL ͏stage.