April 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET
Carnell Tate remains a strong prospect for the New York Giants with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Giants have had an abundance of defensive talent over the last several years. Continuity is valuable, but talent has hardly been in short supply in New York.
Despite that defensive strength, the team has managed only one playoff appearance in the last five years. That includes a formidable pass rush featuring Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and, more recently, Abdul Carter.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is among the players most frequently projected to the Giants at No. 5 overall. Still, even with a clear need at inside linebacker, New York has an opportunity to elevate its offense by selecting the player widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the draft.
From everything seen on the field leading up to the draft, Tate is that player. His ability to go up and attack the football would be a major asset the Giants’ offense desperately needs. Tate consistently makes plays on the perimeter.
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The Chicago native recorded 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 at Ohio State. Those statistics, however, do not fully capture the extent of his pass-catching ability.
The Giants need another high-volume wide receiver to pair with Malik Nabers next season. That need grew more pressing after the departure of Wan’Dale Robinson, their 1,000-yard receiver from 2025, in free agency last winter.
The Giants may still select Styles on draft day if he remains available at No. 5 overall. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa are also frequently projected to New York in pre-draft mock drafts.
That said, there is no guarantee Tate will hit the ground running in the NFL the way Nabers did during his standout rookie season in 2024. Still, Tate’s game suggests that such a trajectory is well within reach.
