Heading into the NFL Combine, the Ohio State football program had five players who were sure-fire first-round picks. One of them has already had a legendary performance in Indy to solidify his standing in the draft. Now, the lone offensive first-round pick, Carnell Tate, is getting ready to perform.
Tate had an up-and-down season with the Buckeyes. He established himself as the best deep threat in the country. He was able to run go routes effectively when he was on the field. The issue is that he wasn't on the field for the entire season, as the end of the regular season was strange.
Tate ended up missing three games at the end of the season with a mysterious lower-body injury. He did end up playing against Michigan to end the regular season. Even with the missed time, Tate is making his case to be the top receiver drafted in April.
Ohio State football player Carnell Tate makes the case to be the top receiver drafted
While speaking to the media at the NFL Combine, Tate made a case for himself to be the first receiver off the board.
"Me no question. I bring it all to the table. Whatever you need to do, I got it..mindset, catching, the route-running, the blocking. I got the mindset that I'm the best receiver in the draft class. I got the route-running. I'm able to manipulate DBs. I can catch it over DBs, a couple of sideline grabs. Also, I show up in the blocking game. Blocking DEs, corners, whatever you need, I got it."
Tate is right about the route-running aspect of things. He is a smart route-runner who can fake out DBs. He has a great set of hands. Blocking is something that every Ohio State receiver does well, as that's the first thing that Brian Hartline teaches them when they come into the program.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Tate be the first receiver off the board. He has all of the skills to be a true number-one receiver at the next level, as long as he can stay healthy.