Many NFL teams could use the skills of Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate. And Tate can see himself in many different situations. He freely mentioned the teams he met with at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week and speculated about seeing himself lining up and helping the offenses of the Saints, the Chiefs, the Commanders and the Giants.
“If you want a game changer,” the precocious pass-catcher (he turned 21 last month) told reporters Friday, “you got one right here.”
Tate also had some thoughts about teaming up on the Jets with fellow Ohio State first-round WR Garrett Wilson, who wrapped up his Buckeyes career two seasons before Tate started his three-season stay in 2023.
“It would be a great opportunity to play next to a former wide receiver at Ohio State,” he said. “Me and G-5 have a good relationship. Whenever I need him, he said I could reach out to him.
“I feel like we could complement each other well. He can do all the short routes and the intermediate thing, he can make fantastic catches. And I can go stretch the field next to him.”
Tate isn’t a burner — his 40 time, which will be recorded at the Combine on Saturday, is projected by NFL Draft Buzz and Fansided to be from 4.48 to 4.52 seconds. But he knew, especially last season as an OSU junior, how to beat single coverage, get open and make the deep grab. His 6 touchdown catches of 30-plus yards led the nation, and his 12-game totals last season came in at 51 receptions for 875 yards, 17.5 yards/catch, and 9 TDs, all career highs.
“I think my game brings it all to the table,” Tate said, in a brash but engaging manner, perhaps indicative of the sports-industry major and Academic All-America that he is. “I’ve got the contested catch, I’ve got the route-running. and I also bring in the run game — a lot of receivers don’t do that. I’m able to impact the game with and without the ball in my hands.”
