NFL Draft Expert Sees Ohio State WR Carnell Tate as Potential Jets' Top Pick

Despite the Jets' defensive needs, one analyst believes the team could surprise and take a wide receiver at No. 2 overall.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of green, blue, and gold, representing the dynamic action of a football player making a catch, without any identifiable figures or text.An abstract depiction of a potential game-changing offensive addition for the Jets, as they weigh their options at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.NYC Today

NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah believes Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate could be in play for the New York Jets with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the Jets have been linked to defensive prospects like Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain Jr., Jeremiah suggests the team could look to bolster their receiving corps by taking Tate, one of the top wideouts in the class.

Why it matters

The Jets' offense struggled mightily in 2025, and they desperately need to surround quarterback Geno Smith with more talent, especially at wide receiver. Tate would provide a dynamic playmaker to complement star receiver Garrett Wilson and could help elevate the entire passing attack.

The details

Tate, who stands 6'2" and weighs 192 pounds, is coming off a strong season at Ohio State where he posted 875 yards and 9 touchdowns. While he may not be the most athletic receiver in the class, Jeremiah believes Tate's size, hands, and ability to make plays at the catch point could make him an attractive option for the Jets at No. 2 overall.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver from Ohio State University who is considered one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Garrett Wilson

The New York Jets' star wide receiver who is looking for a complementary playmaker to team up with.

Geno Smith

The New York Jets' starting quarterback who will be looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season.

Daniel Jeremiah

An NFL Draft analyst who believes Carnell Tate could be in play for the Jets with the second overall pick.

Darren Mougey

The general manager of the New York Jets who will be making the final decision on the team's 2026 NFL Draft selections.

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What they’re saying

“I think Tate, I think he's in play at two. I think that conversation is entertained at two.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Jets will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they will have the second overall pick. They will need to decide whether to address their defensive needs or look to bolster their offense by potentially selecting a top wide receiver prospect like Carnell Tate.

The takeaway

The Jets' decision at No. 2 overall will be a crucial one, as they look to build a roster capable of competing in the AFC East. While defense has been the focus, the team's offensive struggles in 2025 may lead them to consider a game-changing wide receiver like Carnell Tate to pair with Garrett Wilson and help elevate the passing attack.