Carnell Tate - Wide Receiver - Ohio State
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1 - Depth of skill as a boundary receiver
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2 - Operating as a Level III option ​
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3 - Activity as a ball carrier & shortcomings post-catch​
Tate is the most Quarterback-friendly boundary receiver in this cycle. Route depth, timing and footwork are all ++.
Continually separating out of the break point by out-pathing the defensive back to the football.
‘Sink - Decel - Work back’ sequencing is high-end & noteworthy. Never wasted motion, everything deliberate as a route runner at 6'3.
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Always seems to be in the driver's seat on every route, controls the defender effortlessly at each level of the field.
Vertically, there is a lot to fall in love with when evaluating Tate. First, the ball tracking & ability to 'hide' the ball path from the defender until the timing lines up on a given opportunity. Unique feel for flight paths & the simultaneous management of space closure.
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His release work is simple, yet effective - doesn't waste time getting into routes. Drives vertical - presses defenders immediately & displays excellent throttle control at all phases of his routes. How he plays with tempo in different concept markers both pre & post stem greatly impacts how defenders act towards him. Can easily win on double moves - terror to defend here with combination of length & fluidity through his breaks.
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Reminds me of A.J Green in how he wins & operates. Always in control of the defender both as a boots on the ground receiver & as an in-air operator. Fast enough to threaten the third level - good enough as a mover to make patterns look similar prior to the breakpoint. Tate is a 99th percentile contested catch prospect both on tape & metric wise.
As a ball carrier, he offers good physical toughness, but a pretty rudimentary skillset.
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Doesn't have a reactive skillset to play off of space closures as well as defender contact. Speed as a ball carrier is also an issue at times. Lack of trust in reaching velocity & pulling away from defenders. Looks to protect the ball immediately post-catch.
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Not a threat to earn explosives in the screen or quick game. Not needed to be a successful three level operator, however if you are hoping for a 6'3 gazelle that can take one to the house at any time, you'll be disappointed.