During Saturday’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane openly criticized Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate’s 40-yard dash time, sparking some lighthearted reactions. Tate ran the distance in 4.54 seconds, a mark that placed him outside the top 10 fastest receivers at the event but did not diminish his standing as a likely first-round draft pick.
Brandon Beane’s Playful Critique of Tate’s Speed
While appearing on the NFL Network alongside Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah, Beane made a tongue-in-cheek comment about Tate’s burst and overall speed.
“He’s pretty slow I probably wouldn’t take him early,”
the Bills GM remarked with a smirk.
“Did you see how slow he was out of the gate? The corner’s gonna lock him down.”
The statement was met with laughter, suggesting Beane might have been joking or perhaps trying to downplay Tate’s draft value in hopes of selecting him at No. 26 overall.
Carnell Tate’s Performance and Draft Prospects
Despite the critique, Tate remains in strong consideration for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. As a key contributor for Ohio State, he formed an effective partnership with Jeremiah Smith during the 2025 season. Tate closed his junior year with 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, improving upon his previous season in which he recorded 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns during Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run.
While his 40-yard dash may not have been among the quickest, Tate’s route running, knack for tracking the ball, and consistent production are expected to keep him near the top of wide receiver prospects. Scouts and analysts anticipate he will hear his name called early on draft day in April.
Additional Updates in College Football
The latest college football news includes Oregon’s Dan Lanning criticizing the College Football Playoff system and demanding major reforms, Deion Sanders’ contract details and buyout as Colorado Buffaloes’ coach, and Steve Sarkisian’s callout of Ohio State players for poor class attendance. The NCAA is also considering new rules focusing on “exposed calves,” while the use of AI-generated highlight reels is becoming increasingly common among high school recruits.
“He’s pretty slow I probably wouldn’t take him early”
Bills GM Brandon Beane during Ohio State WR Carnell Tate’s 40-yard dash pic.twitter.com/T0FHxUqFWr
— Underdog (@Underdog) March 1, 2026
