One of the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s class didn’t shy away from the idea of teaming up with Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland.
Carnell Tate addressed the possibility ahead of the draft, making it clear the fit — and location — would be appealing.
“I’m very excited,” Tate said. “Cleveland’s right up the street, so yeah.”
Tate spent all three of his collegiate seasons at Ohio State, finishing his career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns across 39 games. In 2024, as the Buckeyes marched to the national title, he caught 52 passes for 733 yards and four touchdowns.
In 2025, he improved across the board, notching 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games, averaging 17.2 yards per reception. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout profiles as a polished route runner with big-play ability and the hands to match — traits that would give Cleveland’s offense a legitimate perimeter threat it has lacked.
One question that has followed Tate into draft week is whether he can handle being the clear No. 1 option, having spent his entire career playing alongside elite receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith. Jerry Jeudy is currently Cleveland’s top receiver.
The Browns hold two first-round picks (No. 6 and 24) and are expected to target a receiver early in the draft.
Browns Have Hosted Carnell Tate for Visit
The Browns brought Tate in for a Top 30 visit early in the process, and for the Ohio State standout, it felt like home.
“I am very familiar with that,” Tate said on the Rich Eisen Show. “Cleveland is right up the street from us — about an hour-and-a-half, two-hour drive from the facility. I was very comfortable.”
From there, Tate made it clear the visit was all business.
“At this point in the process, it’s all about football — touring the facility, talking to the coaches, them getting a feel for your personality and you getting a feel for them,” he said. “It’s really just talking ball, seeing how smart you are and evaluating your IQ as a football player.”
Other top receivers the Browns could consider in the first round are Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson and Denzel Boston. Cleveland could also trade down from their current slot and acquire more picks.
Shedeur Sanders Not Locked in as Browns’ Starter
The other piece of the equation is the quarterback situation. Sanders is in competition with Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel — to a lesser extent — for the starting role. The Browns got on the field this week for voluntary veteran minicamp, getting the first look at their three quarterbacks in action.
Sanders looks to be in pole position, getting the most reps with the starting offense. It comes after a turbulent rookie season, where he had to earn his opportunities after falling to the fifth round. Sanders started the final seven games of the season, going 3-4 in those games.
“I’m thankful that I don’t really have to chase,” Sanders said. “I don’t look at anything as a negative. When you start looking at things as a negative, that’s when you grow spite and hatred. Nothing positive comes out of that. So, I view everything, it’s just like I’m just happy, I’m thankful, I’m blessed. I am in a position where I can handle everything that comes my way. So now I feel bulletproof.”
Sanders will find out whether he’ll have more weapons to work with in the coming days. The NFL Draft runs from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Carnell Tate Sends Clear Message on Browns QB Shedeur Sanders