Carnell Tate has been viewed by many as arguably the top wide receiver prospect in the 2026 NFL draft class. However, one reported aspect of Tate’s combine work has raised questions for one reporter, but another reporter shut down those questions before they began.
In a Wednesday post on X, ESPN insider Adam Schefter responded to a report by Pro Football Talk written by Mike Florio that claimed the 40-yard dash time was 4.52 seconds. Schefter’s information suggested he was faster. Schefter called Florio’s report “wrong, again,” and included screenshots of texts with supposed sources.
All sources had timed Tate’s 40-yard dash below 4.5. One source had him as low as 4.45, suggesting he was faster.
Of course, Schefter’s claims are a case of “he said she said,” without any more proof to back up the claims. Any text message can say any combination of numbers.
Still, the back-and-forth sets up a new front in the eternal battle between insiders and networks to have the most accurate information the fastest.
Either way, even the best-case scenario of 4.45 seconds leaves questions about the receiver’s speed, with many receivers finishing below 4.4 seconds and a choice few below 4.3.
How Many Receivers Were Faster Than Carnell Tate?
The Ohio State receiver, listed with a 4.53 40-yard-dash on the NFL combine leaderboard, is well short of many receivers. In total, Tate finished slower than 26 other receivers at 4.53. At 4.45, the receiver finished behind 19 other receivers.
Tate finished .27 seconds slower than the fastest receiver’s time (Brenen Thompson: 4.26). Of course, while his speed is just one aspect of his game, it is one more red flag on top of other questions about the receiver.
The biggest question is why he was unable to log 1,000 yards in a single season of a three-year college career. He also failed to record double-digit receiving touchdowns as well. While his resume is widely viewed as good enough at face value to get into the NFL, his status as a Day 1 pick might be on thin ice.
Will Tate be forced to wait until Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
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