After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the Baltimore Ravens miss the playoffs and post a losing record, the franchise is clearly shifting gears. The firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh and the hiring of Jesse Minter signals the start of a new era in Baltimore - one that’s focused on getting back to the standard this team has long expected of itself.
But while there’s a new face on the sidelines, the front office remains steady. General manager Eric DeCosta is still steering the ship, and his approach to roster building hasn’t changed: draft smart, build from within, and supplement with the right veterans when the opportunity presents itself. That mindset will be front and center this spring, as the Ravens hold the 14th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft - a rare chance for Baltimore to grab a premium talent in the top half of the first round.
And according to early mock drafts, the Ravens could be in position to land one of the most intriguing offensive playmakers in the class: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
An Explosive Addition to Lamar Jackson’s Arsenal
Tate landing in Baltimore at No. 14 would be a gift for a team still searching for a consistent, dynamic presence opposite Zay Flowers. While wide receiver might not be the Ravens’ most pressing need, the value here could be too good to pass up. This is a player with top-10 potential who just might slide into Baltimore’s lap - and if he does, DeCosta’s track record suggests he won’t hesitate.
Tate brings the kind of skill set that’s tailor-made for a quarterback like Lamar Jackson. At 6-foot-3, he’s a natural at the catch point, consistently winning contested balls with strong hands and elite body control. His ability to high-point the football and make tough grabs in traffic gives Jackson a reliable target in tight windows - something this offense has lacked outside of Flowers.
And while Tate never put up gaudy numbers at Ohio State - 121 catches, 1,872 yards, and 14 touchdowns over three seasons - context matters. He played in a loaded receiver room that featured elite talent like Jeremiah Smith, which limited his opportunities to be the go-to guy. But when Tate did get his chances, he made them count.
A Polished, Pro-Ready Prospect
Tate’s game goes beyond just highlight-reel catches. He’s a technician as a route runner, using leverage and timing to create separation.
His quickness off the line and ability to snap off routes cleanly make him a tough cover, especially in man-to-man situations. And with his large catch radius, he doesn’t need to be wide open to be a viable target.
What sets him apart from other prospects in this class is how complete his receiving profile already is. He’s not just a deep threat or a possession guy - he can do a bit of everything.
If there’s one area where he could take his game to the next level, it’s adding a bit more strength to help him battle with physical NFL corners. But that’s a common adjustment for young wideouts, and it’s something that can be developed quickly in a pro strength program.
A Seamless Fit in Baltimore’s New Offense
With Jesse Minter now leading the team and Declan Doyle stepping into the offensive coordinator role, the Ravens are entering a new phase schematically. Adding a player like Tate would give Doyle a versatile weapon to build around in his first year calling plays. Tate’s ability to stretch the field vertically, win on third downs, and contribute in the red zone would immediately elevate Baltimore’s passing attack.
More importantly, he’d give Jackson a second trustworthy target - a big-bodied receiver who can bail him out when plays break down. That kind of security blanket changes how defenses have to approach Baltimore, especially when paired with the speed and shiftiness of Flowers.
Bottom Line
If Carnell Tate is still on the board when the Ravens are on the clock at No. 14, it’s hard to imagine DeCosta passing on him. This is the kind of pick that fits Baltimore’s draft philosophy perfectly: a high-upside, pro-ready talent who fills a need and brings immediate impact potential.
The Ravens are looking to rebound in 2026, and adding a weapon like Tate could be a major step in that direction. He’s not just a fit - he’s a potential difference-maker.