The Buffalo Bills have a glaring need at wide receiver, and one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft has his eyes on Buffalo-and more specifically, on Josh Allen.
Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate, a projected top-10 pick, recently made it clear who he’d like to catch passes from at the next level. On the Downs 2 Business podcast alongside Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Tate didn’t hesitate when asked which NFL quarterback he’d most want to play with.
“I’d love to go play with Josh Allen,” Tate said. “He can get you the ball; he’s experienced.”
That’s not just a throwaway line. For a young receiver entering the league, Allen’s arm strength, improvisational ability, and willingness to push the ball downfield make him an ideal quarterback to grow with. And for a Bills team still searching for a true WR1 after parting ways with Stefon Diggs, Tate’s admiration might be more than mutual.
Tate also mentioned he hopes to be used like Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Seattle or Puka Nacua in Los Angeles-young receivers who’ve earned consistent targets right out of the gate. He’s not just looking to be drafted high; he wants to be featured.
Now, let’s talk about the fit-and the challenge. Tate is widely projected to come off the board within the top 10 picks.
The Bills, sitting at No. 26, would need to make a serious move up the draft board to have a shot at him. That’s not impossible, but it would require the kind of aggressive draft-day trade that general manager Brandon Beane has been willing to make in the past.
Adding Tate would address a major need for Buffalo. His skillset is tailor-made for today’s NFL: route precision, top-end speed, and a knack for making contested catches.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Chris Olave-a name that should sound familiar to Bills fans. Olave was a top trade target at the deadline this past season, but the Saints weren’t willing to move him.
Tate could be the next-best thing: a polished, pro-ready “Z” receiver with the upside to become a WR1 early in his career.
Zierlein’s scouting report paints the picture of a receiver who’s already playing beyond his years. Tate has the size, speed, and route-running savvy to threaten defenses at all three levels.
He tracks the ball effortlessly, adjusts mid-route, and wins in contested situations. His hands are soft, his timing is sharp, and his football IQ is evident in how he works back to the ball and finds space.
At just 20 years old, he’s already showing the polish of a seasoned pro.
In 2025, Tate hauled in 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns-impressive numbers considering the talent-heavy Ohio State receiver room. He’s not just producing; he’s standing out in a program that churns out NFL-ready wideouts year after year.
For Buffalo, a player like Tate on a rookie deal would be a game-changer, especially with the team’s tight cap situation limiting what they can do in free agency. Beane has pulled off bold draft moves before. If he sees Tate as a future star-and if he believes pairing him with Allen can unlock another level of this offense-don’t rule out a trade-up.
Tate wants to play with Josh Allen. The question now: does Buffalo want Carnell Tate badly enough to go get him?