Commanders Bolster Receiving Corps with Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

Mel Kiper Jr. projects Washington to select Tate at No. 7 to pair with Terry McLaurin

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:43pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic interplay of football players in motion, representing the conceptual pairing of two elite receivers on the Washington Commanders.A cubist interpretation of the potential partnership between Ohio State stars Carnell Tate and Terry McLaurin, set to energize the Washington Commanders' passing attack.Washington Today

In his final 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the Washington Commanders will select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the 7th overall pick. Kiper believes Tate's elite route-running skills and big-play ability make him the perfect complement to Buckeyes alum Terry McLaurin, stabilizing the Commanders' receiving corps.

Why it matters

The Commanders' offense struggled with depth behind McLaurin last season, and adding a pro-ready talent like Tate could significantly bolster their aerial attack. Kiper's projection aligns with recent calls from NFL insider Louis Riddick to prioritize offensive firepower, though the team may also explore trading back to recoup valuable Day 2 draft capital.

The details

Tate was a standout at Ohio State, averaging 17.2 yards per catch on his way to 875 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025. His elite route-running skills and big-play ability are seen as a perfect fit to complement McLaurin and revitalize the Commanders' passing game. While defensive help is also an option, Kiper argues the opportunity to pair Tate with his former Buckeyes teammate is too good to pass up.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Carnell Tate

A top-tier wide receiver prospect from Ohio State, known for his exceptional route-running skills and big-play ability.

Terry McLaurin

The Commanders' star wide receiver, also an Ohio State alum, who would form a formidable duo with Tate.

Mel Kiper Jr.

A prominent ESPN NFL draft analyst whose latest mock draft projects the Commanders to select Carnell Tate.

Louis Riddick

An NFL insider who has called for the Commanders to prioritize offensive firepower in the draft, including the potential selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

Adam Peters

The Commanders' General Manager, who must balance the team's draft needs with their limited draft capital.

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What they’re saying

“Tate's reliability and big-play ability are exactly what Washington needs to stabilize an offense that currently lacks depth behind McLaurin.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

“While wide receiver is a top priority, Love's playmaking ability is too significant to ignore.”

— Louis Riddick, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Commanders will have until April 24th to make their selection at the 7th overall pick, with the possibility of trading back to recoup additional draft capital still on the table.

The takeaway

The Commanders' decision at the 7th overall pick will be a crucial one, as they look to bolster their receiving corps and offensive firepower. Selecting Carnell Tate would provide a dynamic complement to Terry McLaurin, but the team must also weigh the potential value of trading back and addressing other needs.