With Shough thriving, the Saints need a dynamic "X" receiver. Carnell Tate offers Ohio State polish and size to unlock their offense's full potential.
As we head into the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in an uncharacteristically optimistic position. The gamble on Tyler Shough, the 40th overall pick in 2025 has paid off in spades, as the rookie overcame his collegiate injury history to solidify himself as a legitimate franchise centerpiece. With Chris Olave breaking down secondaries as one of the league’s premier route technicians, the foundation of a high-octane modern offense is firmly in place.
However, the roster is not without its holes. The mid-season trade of Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks in 2025 left a vertical void in the offense, and while depth pieces have stepped up, there is a glaring lack of a consistent "X" factor to take the pressure off Olave.
Here is where the Saints should look at Carnell Tate. The 6'3" Ohio State standout spent his junior year proving that while he may have shared the field with a generational talent like Jeremiah Smith, he is far more than just a supporting act. For a Saints team looking to maximize Shough’s rookie contract window, Tate represents the perfect blend of size, polish, and Big Ten pedigree.
The "Hartline" Pedigree
If there is one thing the Saints should trust, it’s the Ohio State-to-Big Easy pipeline. From Michael Thomas to Chris Olave, New Orleans has historically thrived when drafting receivers coached by Brian Hartline. Tate is the latest model from that factory—a wide receiver who understands leverage, tempo, and the "dark arts" of route running.
While his teammate Jeremiah Smith grabbed the headlines with highlight-reel catches, Tate was the steadying force. For a young quarterback like Shough, having a receiver who is exactly where he is supposed to be is more valuable than a physical freak who rounds off his breaks.
Why Tate Fits the Saints' Current Window
Size & Length: At 6'3", he provides the "large catch radius" the Saints lack outside of Chris Olave.
Chemistry: Tate has already publicly stated he wants to play with Shough. In a locker room undergoing a rebuild, that buy-in is priceless.
Z-Receiver Versatility: He can win over the top or work the intermediate middle, freeing up Olave to move all over the formation.
High Character: Scouts rave about his "selfless" nature—staying at OSU despite being a high-volume candidate for the transfer portal.
My Two Pennies: A Calculated Gamble
Is there a risk? Certainly. Tate isn't a "burner" who will run a sub-4.3 forty-yard dash, and he needs to add muscle to handle the physical press-coverage of NFL cornerbacks.
However, the Saints’ primary objective right now must be the development of Tyler Shough. And bringing in weapons that can help with that development, will be key in the success of the Saints 2026 with Shough at the helm.
Drafting Carnell Tate is about adding a receiver and giving your young QB a reliable, polished, and motivated target who already speaks his language.