Carnell Tate, a highly regarded wide receiver from Ohio State and a prime candidate for the 2026 NFL draft, expressed excitement about potentially catching passes from elite NFL quarterbacks. At the combine, Tate named quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Tyler Shough, Josh Allen, and Jayden Daniels as players he looks forward to playing alongside, showcasing his ambition to thrive at the next level. The focus on “king Lamar Jackson,” however, emerged in fan discussions following Tate’s comments.
Fan Reactions Highlight Lamar Jackson’s Absence from Tate’s List
Taking notice of Tate’s preference for certain quarterbacks, fans quickly voiced their surprise that Lamar Jackson was not mentioned among the group. Comments ranged from playful jabs to critical takes, underscoring the strong reputation Jackson holds in the NFL community. Some joked, “Where’s king Lamar,” while others made light-hearted remarks like
“Polar bear in fuc*in africa dawg.”
Other fans suggested Tate’s admiration for Shough was growing extensively, with one stating,
“This Shough glaze getting outta control.”
Tate’s Performance and Potential Role with the Saints
Over the 2025 season, Tate appeared in 11 games for Ohio State, recording 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. These numbers have placed him among the top prospects expected to go in the early rounds of the draft. The New Orleans Saints, holding the No. 8 overall pick, could significantly improve their offense with a player of Tate’s caliber. His capacity to connect with strong quarterbacks like Tyler Shough could prove vital if the Saints choose to draft him.
Wide Receiver’s Reflections on NFL Quarterbacks and Targets
Last month, Tate openly admired several NFL stars, emphasizing his desire to join a team where he would be a primary target. He said,
“I just want to go somewhere that’s targeting me, though. That’s all I can ask for.”
Tate compared his aspirations to the targeting experienced by players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua, making it clear that receiving opportunities are his top priority. He praised Allen’s skill and experience while acknowledging Shough’s recent impressive play, saying,
“Like the Saints with Tyler. Tyler’s been balling.”
Combine Results Spark Additional Debate
During the recent NFL combine, Tate completed the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds, a time that surprised some observers who had expected a faster result. Despite this, Tate remains among the brightest wide receiver prospects with the ability to contribute immediately. His mix of size, hands, and experience creates optimism about his future in the NFL.
Implications for Tate and Emerging NFL Partnerships
Carnell Tate’s willingness to align himself with quarterbacks like Tyler Shough and Josh Allen indicates his readiness to adapt and build chemistry with prominent players early in his career. Meanwhile, the fan-driven discussion around Lamar Jackson’s absence in Tate’s list reflects broader expectations for high-profile players to be recognized by emerging talents. As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, Tate’s choice of team and quarterback partnership will likely be a key storyline to watch, especially for fans of the Saints and other teams seeking dynamic offensive additions.
Carnell Tate on some great NFL QBs he’d like to catch passes from:
– Pat Mahomes
– Josh Allen
– Tyler Shough
– Jayden Daniels
pic.twitter.com/bbV12RIhBw— JPA (@jasrifootball) February 28, 2026
https://twitter.com/KhiMVP/status/2027894566280433873
