The New York Giants are back in familiar territory with a top-five pick in the NFL Draft, but this time, there’s a new face steering the ship. With John Harbaugh now at the helm, the Giants are looking to kick off a new era-and they might just do it by handing their young quarterback a dynamic new weapon.
In the latest mock draft from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, the Giants use the fifth overall pick to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, making him the first wideout off the board. It’s a bold move, but one that fits both need and value.
“The Giants add another weapon for Jaxson Dart. Tate gives the offense a vertical receiver to play opposite a hopefully-healthy Malik Nabers,” Jeremiah noted.
Let’s unpack that.
Carnell Tate: A True No. 1 in the Making
At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Tate brings the kind of frame and athleticism that NFL teams covet in an X-receiver. He’s not just a big target-he’s a polished route-runner with top-end speed and the ability to stretch the field. Over three seasons at Ohio State, Tate carved out a reputation as one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football.
Here’s a look at his production:
| Season | Class | GP | Rec | Yards | Avg | TD |
|---|
| 2023 | Freshman | 13 | 18 | 264 | 14.7 | 1 | | 2024 | Sophomore | 15 | 52 | 733 | 14.1 | 4 |
| 2025 | Junior | 11 | 51 | 875 | 17.2 | 9 | | Total | | 39 | 121 | 1,872 | 15.5 | 14 |
Despite missing three games in 2025 due to injury, Tate still earned First-team All-Big Ten honors and was named a Second-team All-American by both the AP and AFCA. He was also a key piece in Ohio State’s 2024 national title run, starting all 15 games that season.
By the time he left Columbus, Tate ranked 18th in school history in both receptions and receiving yards-a notable feat considering the program’s long line of elite wideouts.
Why This Pick Makes Sense for the Giants
The Giants’ receiver room is in flux heading into the 2026 offseason. Malik Nabers, the team’s No. 1 option, is still rehabbing from a torn ACL and meniscus suffered in Week 4 last season.
His Week 1 availability is up in the air. Meanwhile, Wan’Dale Robinson is headed for free agency after a career-best season, and there’s no guarantee New York will be able to retain him.
That leaves the Giants in need of both immediate help and long-term stability at wide receiver. Enter Carnell Tate.
Tate has the skill set to start from day one. He brings size and vertical ability to the outside-traits the Giants have lacked in recent years. And if Nabers returns to form, pairing him with Tate gives the Giants a potentially lethal 1-2 punch at receiver for years to come.
Let’s not forget about Jaxson Dart, either. The young quarterback showed flashes in his first season, and the front office appears committed to building around him. Giving Dart a trio of playmakers that could include Nabers, Tate, and dual-threat back Cam Skattebo would go a long way toward unlocking his full potential.
Other Options Were on the Table
It’s worth noting that Jeremiah’s first mock draft had the Giants going defense, projecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane to New York. That pick would’ve addressed another area of need, but the switch to Tate signals a more aggressive approach on offense-and a belief that the best way to help Dart is by putting more weapons around him.
While there are still holes to fill on this roster, adding a blue-chip receiver like Tate is the kind of move that can change the complexion of an offense. The Giants haven’t had a true outside threat of his caliber in years. If Tate lives up to his billing, this pick could be remembered as the moment the Giants’ offense turned a corner.
Final Thoughts
Drafting Carnell Tate at No. 5 would be a statement. It says the Giants are committed to building around their young quarterback.
It says they’re not waiting around for Nabers to get healthy or hoping Robinson re-signs. They’re going out and getting a game-changer.
Tate checks every box: size, speed, production, pedigree. He’s not just a fit-he’s a potential foundation piece for an offense that’s trying to find its identity.
If the Giants go this route in April, they’ll be betting on upside, explosiveness, and the kind of offensive firepower that can finally get them back into the playoff conversation.