Could Carnell Tate Be the Answer to the Chiefs’ Offensive Questions?
For the better part of the last three seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have defied traditional NFL roster-building logic. While most dynasties lean on a dominant WR1, Kansas City has thrived without one-thanks to a generational quarterback, an elite tight end, and a defense that’s been consistently solid.
But as the 2026 offseason begins, the formula might need tweaking. The tight end position, once a pillar of this offense, is no longer a sure thing.
The defense? Still talented, but facing some real questions.
If the Chiefs want to stay on top, they need a new offensive playmaker-and they may just find him in the NFL Draft.
The Wide Receiver Room: Still a Work in Progress
A year ago, Rashee Rice looked like he might be that guy-the breakout star who could evolve into a true WR1. But after a promising start to 2024, things have cooled.
A significant knee injury stalled his momentum, and while recovery time is understandable, his development in route running and usage hasn’t taken the leap many hoped for. Add in some lingering off-field concerns, and Rice enters the final year of his rookie deal with more questions than answers.
Rookie Xavier Worthy brought speed and promise, but his first season was marred by injuries. He hasn’t yet shown the kind of growth that would solidify him as a go-to option in this offense.
And that brings us to the bigger issue: the Chiefs struggled all season against man coverage. That’s not just about talent-it’s about scheme, too-but the lack of size and physicality at receiver hasn’t helped.
Kansas City needs someone who can win contested catches, beat press coverage, and bring a physical edge to the position. Enter Carnell Tate.
Meet Carnell Tate: A WR Built for the NFL
Vitals:
- School: Ohio State
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 195 lbs
- Age on Draft Day: 21
Tate is the kind of wide receiver prospect that turns heads on tape and checks boxes on the stat sheet. A former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy, he was one of the most sought-after players in his class-and for good reason.
He committed to Ohio State in 2022 and played alongside some of the best receivers in college football, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jeremiah Smith. Despite that crowded room, Tate still managed to rack up 1,835 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons.
He’s not just another name from a loaded Buckeye receiver pipeline. He’s a polished, high-IQ wideout with the skill set to win in multiple ways.
Why Tate Could Be WR1 Material
Route Running and Football IQ:
Tate’s route running is where he truly separates himself-literally and figuratively.
He understands leverage, timing, and how to manipulate defenders with subtle movements. His pacing is advanced for his age, and he consistently finds soft spots in zone coverage.
That’s the kind of nuance that shows up on Sundays.
Size and Body Control:
At 6'3", Tate has the frame to play outside and the toughness to work the middle of the field.
He’s not afraid to run slants, digs, or crosses-routes that expose him to contact-and he handles them with poise. His ability to control his body and adjust to the ball mid-air is elite.
According to PFF, Tate had zero drops in 2025 and ranked in the 100th percentile in contested catch rate. That’s not just good-that’s special.
Blocking Ability:
Blocking doesn’t often make headlines for wide receivers, but it matters-especially in Kansas City’s offense, which leans on screens and creative run concepts.
Tate is a willing and effective blocker. He sets the edge, engages linebackers downfield, and even lines up tight to the formation like a hybrid receiver-tight end.
That kind of versatility is rare and valuable.
Where He Needs to Grow
Yards After Catch:
Tate is a vertical threat, no doubt.
He tracks the deep ball well and can separate late in the route. But once the ball is in his hands, he’s not exactly a YAC machine.
He’s not overly elusive or powerful in the open field, so you’re not banking on him turning short throws into big gains.
Play Strength:
Despite his size, Tate can be knocked off his route by physical corners.
He’s not always able to fight through contact, which limits his ability to draw penalties or maintain timing on routes. At the next level, that’s something he’ll need to improve.
**Is He a True Alpha? **
This is the big question. Tate has the tools and the polish, but he’s never been the guy in an offense.
At Ohio State, he was always surrounded by elite talent, and he was never asked to carry the load. So while his floor is high-think high-end WR2-can he grow into a true WR1 who commands double teams and dictates coverage?
That’s what teams picking in the top 10 will have to decide.
Why He Fits in Kansas City
The Chiefs have a type when it comes to receivers: speed, separation, and versatility. Tate brings all of that-but also adds something they’ve been missing.
He wins at the catch point. He beats man coverage.
He brings size to a room that’s been lacking it.
In some ways, he offers what the Chiefs hoped to get from past speed-based gambles like Tyquan Thornton-but with a much more complete skill set. He’s not just a burner or a gadget guy. He’s a technician with strong hands and a physical edge.
If Kansas City wants to give Patrick Mahomes a new weapon who can grow into a long-term solution at wide receiver, Carnell Tate is a name to watch. He might not walk into the league as a Ja’Marr Chase or Garrett Wilson, but with the right development-and in the right offense-he has the potential to become a foundational piece.
And in Kansas City, that’s exactly what they need.