We’re just two days away from the 2025 NFL Draft, and everyone is on the edge of their seats trying to figure out who their team is going to pick. Some teams are predictable. For instance, the Las Vegas Raiders will draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They aren’t even taking calls to trade. Other teams, like the Arizona Cardinals, are tougher to predict.
The Washington Commanders have the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and there are mixed ideas of who they will select. Dan Quinn has reportedly said that if Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is on the board, that’s who they will take. But if Styles isn’t there (which is possible), then who will they take? Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr believes it will be Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
I really liked Makai Lemon here with the Amon-Ra St. Brown comparison. But when I came across this quote about Tate from former Ohio State teammate Will Howard (via this ESPN piece), it convinced me that Tate could be the best receiver to operate in new coordinator David Blough’s system.
“Carnell is kind of a little bit of a Swiss Army knife. He plays bigger than he is. He’s strong as hell, and he’s really sneaky fast. The thing I think that’s so overlooked about his game is how well he blocks. He is a hell of a blocking receiver, and he’s super unselfish.”
That sounds like a receiver who can help Jayden Daniels. And fast.
Will Howard is widely overlooked, even though he is taking first-team reps for the Pittsburgh Steelers at minicamp in the absence of Aaron Rodgers. Do not discount his knowledge. He transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State and earned the starting role, which led the team to a national championship in 2024. Tate was on that team, too.
Every weakness that Tate has is a fixable problem. He needs to hit the weight room and bulk up a bit, and he needs to work on his technique and body positioning to not give away his route. He hasn’t suffered a lot of injuries, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win. He shared the field with Jeremiah Smith for two seasons, and not only did he not complain about the attention given to the rising wide receiver, but he still produced and did his job when called.
Tate is a consummate team player who is more mature and polished on the field than most young men his age. His attitude about his team and his on-field ability pair extremely well with what the Commanders want to do.
So, if Sonny Styles isn’t available at No. 7 (Orr had the New York Giants taking him at five), Carnell Tate is a pretty sweet consolation prize.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders select ‘Swiss-Army knife’ in new NFL mock draft
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