NFL Draft expert shows Jets' Carnell Tate dreams are dead without a huge trade

The New York Jets are ready for the 2026 NFL Draft, equipped with two first-round picks, in what’s expected to be a chaotic first night of the draft. The Jets are set to be on the clock with the second-overall pick and the 16th pick. Since it’s clear that quarterback Fernando Mendoza will go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, New York is essentially on the clock already, and the team may even know who it’s selecting at two.

The same can’t be said for New York’s second first-round pick. While there are a ton of prospects the franchise would love to land at 17, some of them won’t be on the board that late. Based on a recent prospect ranking, it’s safe to say wide receiver Carnell Tate will fall into that category.

FanSided recently released its 2026 Draft Big Board, with draft expert Mike Luciano ranking the top 50 prospects. Tate was ranked at No. 8 on the list, and was the first wide receiver. While prospects don’t typically come off the board in the exact order of their ranking, the top-rated wideout probably isn’t going to be available for New York at 17.

Jets might have to trade up if they want a shot at FanSided’s No. 8 prospect Carnell Tate

Tate is set to be the latest first-round receiver out of Ohio State, and he continued that legacy by showcasing smooth route running and strong hands during his college career. Luciano highlighted all those strengths in the receiver’s scouting report, making it clear why he’s a top-10 prospect.

"Tate can be an absolute bully against inferior defensive backs, as his ability to catch anything thrown in the same zip code and consistently beat man coverage give him the title of No. 1 wide receiver in this class. A high-floor player who could be a perfect lead receiver if he managed to get just a bit quicker off the line, Tate will need to beat NFL-level coverage after big-time playmakers like Jeremiah Smith often took opposing CB1s away from him."

Mike Luciano

While the Jets have two first-round picks, meaning they’ll have a chance to select Tate in the top 10, New York isn’t going to use the No. 2 pick on the Ohio State receiver, or any wideout in this draft. Analysts have circled the 16th pick as the likely landing spot for a wide receiver. Tate is expected to be off the board by then, so New York will have to ask itself if it’s comfortable taking another receiver or if it’s best to trade up to select Tate.

If the answer is to trade up, the Jets may have to get into the top 10, which will take a lot. New York has a lot of resources, but considering how much improvement the roster needs, that may not be the best allocation of the franchise’s resources. In other words, barring a surprising draft-night slide, Carnell Tate won’t be joining the Jets.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow