Saints Predicted to Land Superstar WR Prospect to Bolster Offense

Ohio State's Carnell Tate could be the perfect complement to Chris Olave in New Orleans

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:00am

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The New Orleans Saints are expected to target a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Ohio State's Carnell Tate is projected as their top option at pick No. 8. Tate would provide a dynamic deep threat to pair with fellow Buckeye Chris Olave, who emerged as a star for the Saints last season.

Why it matters

The Saints have a glaring need at wide receiver No. 2 after addressing other positions in free agency. Drafting Tate would give them a formidable receiving corps to support young quarterback Tyler Shough and the Saints' high-powered offense.

The details

According to The Athletic's Saints beat writer Larry Holder, the Saints are likely to select Tate with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 draft. Tate is known for his ability to high-point the ball downfield and make contested catches, skills that would complement Olave's game well. While Tate may not be available at No. 8, Holder believes the Saints would pounce on the opportunity to add him to their offense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver prospect from Ohio State University who is projected as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints' top wide receiver, who had a breakout season in 2025 after being drafted from Ohio State.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' young starting quarterback, who would benefit from having a dynamic receiving corps led by Olave and potentially Tate.

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What they’re saying

“The arrival of running back Travis Etienne made this decision tougher because Jeremiyah Love seemed like a no-brainer pick before free agency. But the Saints possess a glaring need at wide receiver, and Tate feels like a good complement to fellow Ohio Stater Chris Olave.”

— Larry Holder, Saints beat writer

What’s next

The Saints will have to wait until the 2026 NFL Draft in late April to see if Carnell Tate is available when they pick at No. 8 overall.

The takeaway

Drafting Carnell Tate would be a dream scenario for the Saints, as he would provide a dynamic deep threat to pair with Chris Olave and give young quarterback Tyler Shough a formidable receiving corps to work with. However, the Saints will have to hope Tate falls to them at pick No. 8, as he is projected as a top-10 talent in the 2026 draft class.