The Washington Commanders have taken a massive drop after a successful 2024 NFL season. In 2025, they have a 3-8 record, and many things have not gone there way.
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Nov 14, 2025; Madrid, Spain; The Nike jerseys of Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) and quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) at the NFL Shop at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Washington has had key injuries to players like quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The Commanders tried to go all-in this offseason with older players, but it just didn’t pan out. They could position themselves well for the future if they wind up with a top 10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. One player that Washington fans should pay close attention to is Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Washington Commanders Select Ohio State Buckeyes Wide Receiver Carnell Tate In Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a pass during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State could very well have another wide receiver drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They have had a ton of success lately with getting wide receivers into the NFL. CBS Sports writer Mike Renner created his latest mock draft.
He has Washington selecting Tate from the Buckeyes. They would currently have the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Renner said about the Commanders potentially selecting Tate in this spot,
“Tate is the vertical threat the Commanders offense has sorely missed with Terry McLaurin sidelined for most of the year. The long, rangy receiver is averaging 18.2 yards per reception while hauling in 84.8% of his targets.”
Tate could also develop into a future number one wide receiver for Daniels. He is 6’3″ and weighs 195 lbs. Tate this season with Ohio State has caught 39 passes for 711 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, along with averaging 18.2 yards per reception. There is a chance that he could get to over 1,000 yards receiving before the end of the college football season.
Tate has been a good pairing with Jeremiah Smith this season for the Buckeyes. This would also help out the Washington offense. They do need more playmakers, and the Commanders lacked depth at the wide receiver position outside of McLaurin.
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