Saints Predicted to Draft Ohio State Star with 8th Overall Pick to Boost QB Tyler Shough

New Orleans has found its QB, now it's time to surround him with talent.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:06pm

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The New Orleans Saints, who drafted quarterback Tyler Shough in 2025, are predicted by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. to use their 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate would provide a talented pass-catching option to complement Chris Olave and help Shough in his second season as the Saints' starting QB.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to build around their young quarterback Tyler Shough, who they drafted in the first round last year. Adding a dynamic wide receiver like Carnell Tate from Ohio State would give Shough another top-tier target to throw to, helping the Saints' offense reach new heights.

The details

In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Saints selecting Carnell Tate, the standout Ohio State wide receiver, with the 8th overall pick. Tate is projected to be one of the first receivers taken in the draft after a dominant 2025 season playing alongside Jeremiah Smith. The Saints have already made some key offensive additions in free agency, signing guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne Jr., and Kiper believes they'll continue to prioritize building around Shough in the draft.

  • The Saints drafted quarterback Tyler Shough in the 1st round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Carnell Tate is expected to be one of the top wide receivers selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Tyler Shough

The Saints' second-year starting quarterback who they drafted in the 1st round in 2025.

Carnell Tate

The standout Ohio State wide receiver who is projected to be one of the first receivers taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chris Olave

The Saints' top wide receiver who will continue to be a key target for Shough.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints' main signings have come on offense -- guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne Jr. -- and that's also where I'd expect them to look during the draft. They need to surround second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with as much talent as possible, and the No. 2 wide receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele (25 receptions last season). Tate brings a well-rounded scouting report, with solid route running and the ability to come down with tough catches thanks to his hands and body control. He'd be great opposite Chris Olave -- yet another excellent receiver to come out of Ohio State in recent years.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Saints will look to continue building around Tyler Shough in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the potential selection of Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the 8th overall pick.

The takeaway

The Saints are committed to developing Tyler Shough into their long-term starting quarterback, and adding a dynamic playmaker like Carnell Tate would give their young QB another elite target to throw to as they look to build a potent offense for the future.