Coach Moore reveals why Ohio State's Carnell Tate is the vital offensive weapon he envisions for the Saints' 2026 championship aspirations.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, a single interview can often reveal more about a team’s future than a hundred scouting reports. This week, Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore sat down with Kay Adams on "Up & Adams" to map out his vision for the 2026 season. While the headlines buzzed about the "Lightning and Lightning" backfield of Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne, it was Moore’s calculated praise for Ohio State standout Carnell Tate that should have the Big Easy dreaming of a return to offensive dominance.
A New Identity in New Orleans
After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX title as their offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore arrived in New Orleans with a clear vision to modernize an offense that had occasionally felt like it was stuck in second gear. Moore’s scheme relies on "diverse skill sets", receivers who aren't just fast, but who can manipulate space and win at the catch point.
When Kay Adams pressed Moore on how he plans to complement Chris Olave, Moore didn't shy away from the draft buzz. He spoke of a "prototypical X-receiver" who could unlock the deep-passing game for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
"I think he's good," Moore said when asked about the 40-yard dash time. "He's a good player. You can look at all of the statistics. While the top-end speed is really beneficial, there's plenty of guys who have 40s that look like that across our league that are some of the top players in the league."
Why Tate is the "True" Choice
The 2026 Draft class is deep at wideout, with Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson often stealing the "explosive" headlines. However, Moore’s comments suggest he values reliability and intelligence over raw track speed.
Tate’s 2025 season at Ohio State was a masterclass in efficiency:
- Zero drops on 65 targets.
- 17.2 yards per reception, proving he’s more than just a possession threat.
- Elite contested-catch ability, a trait the Saints have lacked since the peak Michael Thomas era.
By pairing Tate with Olave, Moore isn't just adding a second receiver; he’s creating a "pick your poison" scenario. If defenses bracket Olave, Tate’s 6’3” frame and physical blocking make him a nightmare on the perimeter. If they play man, Tate’s refined route running—which Moore explicitly praised—allows him to separate in the intermediate windows where Shough excels.
A Combination of Scheme and Talent
If the Saints pull the trigger at Pick #8, it won't just be a draft selection, it might just be the final piece of the Kellen Moore revolution. For a fanbase that has been patient through a rebuilding phase, the prospect of a Moore-led offense featuring Kamara, Etienne, Olave, and Tate feels less like a rebuild and more like a rebirth.