While several defensive prospects have been linked to the Washington Commanders in mock drafts, one analyst explains why former Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate is a fit in the 2026 NFL Draft
Mock draft season is officially in full swing with a long list of candidates available to the Washington Commanders with a top ten pick ahead of them for the second time in the last three years.
Of course, while several candidates fill a long list of roster needs on both sides of the ball, part of the equation has been centered around who will remain available when it comes time for the Commanders to draft seventh overall. Though much of the focus has centered around the defensive side of the ball through the second half of the season into the start of the offseason, the underrated question ahead of April is whether the front office and general manager Adam Peters will eye the offensive side of the ball.
Of course, former Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was a target who was linked to Washington during the 2025 season, but Field Yates of ESPN made the point for the Commanders to take him to help out quarterback Jayden Daniels to restock the offensive weapons in 2026.
"I think Canell Tate is on the shortlist, if not the most pro-ready prospect in the class. This guy is just a professional route runner. Excellent body control. Great on some of those sideline routes and sideline catches. A vertical threat with over 17 yards per catch this past season. He is ready to rock."
The wide receiver room has a glaring need with Deebo Samuel likely to depart this offseason with both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers being linked to the former 49ers wide receiver, but whether Washington turns to free agency to replenish the room is another question mark with multiple pending free agents also fitting the Commanders needs as a complementary wideout opposite of veteran Terry McLaurin.
Of course, it would also give Washington a second former Buckeye wide receiver while also injecting hope into the future of the room with McLaurin set to turn 31 in the first weeks of the 2026 regular season.
Former Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey has become the apparent fan favorite among Commander fans, though the growing question is whether he will remain available for Washington when it comes time to pick despite head coach Dan Quinn noting the emphasis. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles have also been linked to Washington, while others have pointed to former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love as a perfect fit for Washington given the expected commitment to the run game under first-year offensive coordinator David Blough, giving the offense a feature back to pair with second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Tate, meanwhile, is coming off a strong 2025 season where he set new career highs with 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while nearly matched his 2024 total with 51 catches in 2025, one shy from tying.
Mel Kiper of ESPN ranks Tate as the top wide receiver prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of potentially three other first round candidates in Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon and Denzel Boston.