New Orleans scouts Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, a physical chain-mover with zero drops. Can he complete the Saints' offensive masterpiece?
In New Orleans, the phrase "Ohio State Wide Receiver" carries a weight similar to "Grandma’s Gumbo"—you know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s always elite. From the legendary consistency of Michael Thomas to the current electricity of Chris Olave, the Saints have long treated Columbus, Ohio, as their personal developmental league.
With news that the Saints are hosting Carnell Tate for a Top-30 visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s clear Mickey Loomis and the front office aren't just looking for a player; they’re looking to finish a masterpiece.
Bridging the Gap
The Saints' offense in 2025 was a tale of "what if." We saw flashes of brilliance from quarterback Tyler Shough, and Chris Olave remained a technician, but the lack of a consistent, physical WR2 often left the offense stalled in the red zone. While Olave wins with speed and precision, the Saints desperately need a "chain-mover" who can thrive in tight windows.
Enter Carnell Tate. Standing 6'2" and weighing 192 lbs, Tate is the prototypical "X" receiver who doesn't just catch the ball—he secures the drive. In his final two seasons at Ohio State, Tate hauled in 103 passes for over 1,600 yards, notably finishing 2025 with zero drops on 66 targets. That kind of reliability is exactly what a young quarterback like Shough needs to take the next step.
The "Pro-Ready" Pedigree
The most compelling argument for drafting Tate at No. 8 isn't just his stats, it's his floor. Critics argue that Tate was never "the guy" at Ohio State, playing alongside the likes of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. But that’s precisely why he fits New Orleans. He knows how to thrive in a high-volume system without needing to be the sole focus.
His route running is already NFL-caliber, characterized by a "fluid rhythm" that allows him to defeat press coverage despite not being a "burner" in the 4.4-second range. In the Saints' system, which prioritizes timing and leverage, Tate's high football IQ makes him a Day 1 starter.
Risk vs. Reward
Is No. 8 too high? Some mock drafts have Tate sliding to the teens, and defensive names like Rueben Bain Jr. or Mansoor Delane are tempting. However, the NFL has moved into an era where you don't just "need" receivers, but rather you need a surplus of them.
If the Saints pass on Tate, they risk leaving Olave on an island and forcing the offense to rely on aging veterans or unproven late-round fliers. Bringing Tate to New Orleans creates a duo that mirrors the best in the league—a technician in Olave and a reliable, physical target in Tate.
The Verdict
The Top-30 visit is more than a formality. It’s a message. The Saints are signaling that they are tired of "finding" receivers. They want to draft a sure thing. Carnell Tate represents the safest, most logical evolution of this offense. This will be the second time the Saints will meet with Tate. Earlier in the pre-draft process, New Orleans hosted a dinner with Tate and several other Ohio State prospects.
If he's on the board when the Saints are on the clock, the front office shouldn't overthink it. Call the pick in, order the jersey, and let the Ohio State-to-Big-Easy pipeline flow for another decade.