Browns Reportedly Eyeing Ohio State WR Carnell Tate with 6th Overall Pick

Insider expects Cleveland to shake up NFL Draft with surprise selection of talented receiver

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of orange, brown, and white creating a dynamic, deconstructed visual effect.A cubist interpretation of a top NFL draft prospect, hinting at the potential shockwaves the Browns could send through the league with their surprise pick.Atlanta Today

According to Browns reporter Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate could be in play for the Browns with the 6th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Tate is considered a top talent, but the 6th selection may be viewed as too high for the Ohio State star wideout.

Why it matters

The Browns are in need of a top-tier wide receiver to pair with young quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Tate has the size, speed, and production to potentially fill that role, but his selection that high in the draft would be considered a surprise move by Cleveland.

The details

Tate, who stands at 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns in 11 games last season for Ohio State. Tate was named a second-team AP All-American, first-team All-Big Ten, and first-team Academic All-American.

  • Tate confirmed he will attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
  • Tate has multiple visits with teams picking in the top 10 scheduled for the next two weeks, including the Browns.

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver from Ohio State University who is considered a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Shedeur Sanders

The young starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who is in need of more offensive weapons.

Zac Jackson

A reporter for The Athletic who covers the Cleveland Browns and is reporting on the team's potential interest in Carnell Tate.

Daryl Ruiter

A reporter for 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland who shared his expectations for Carnell Tate if the Browns were to draft him.

Jerry Jeudy

The Browns' current top wide receiver who would likely be moved to the WR2 role if the team drafts Carnell Tate.

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What they’re saying

“If the Browns can't find a trade-down partner, I think they'll take Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 6.”

— Zac Jackson, Browns Reporter, The Athletic

“If they take Tate, then my expectation would be is that he would be the No. 1 wide receiver. If you're a top 10 draft pick, it should be thought that you're going to come in and be a game changer, be the No. 1 receiver in that room. They need a No. 1 wide receiver so they can move Jerry Jeudy back to being the No. 2.”

— Daryl Ruiter, Reporter, 92.3 The Fan

“I think I'm a great football player. My speed... the combine is one time, but ultimately I'm a great football player. When you put the pads on, it's another level.”

— Carnell Tate

What’s next

Tate has multiple team visits scheduled over the next two weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Browns will have a chance to further evaluate him as a potential top-10 selection.

The takeaway

The Browns' potential surprise selection of Carnell Tate with the 6th overall pick would signal their intent to surround young QB Shedeur Sanders with elite receiving talent, even if it means taking a player earlier than expected in the draft.