The New York Giants brought out the big guns for the Ohio State pro day on March 25, as head coach John Harbaugh’s presence made news ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN NYG beat reporter Jordan Raanan described it as “notable” that Harbaugh was in attendance, considering several of the top options that could be available at No. 5 overall play for Ohio State. That list includes linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs, and wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Speaking of Tate, the coveted wide receiver prospect confirmed an intriguing bit of Giants news on March 25.
According to New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy, “Carnell Tate said he has upcoming Top 30 visits to the Giants, [Tennessee] Titans, [New Orleans] Saints, [Washington] Commanders and [Kansas City] Chiefs” while speaking with reporters at the Ohio State pro day. Tate also noted that he has already visited with the Cleveland Browns.
As you can see, there is no shortage of suitors for Tate, who many believe will be the first wide receiver selected in 2026. Still, it’s exciting to see the Giants on that list.
The Ohio State product is viewed as one of the safer picks at the position, being that he has no glaring weaknesses.
Tate finished the 2025 season with a collegiate career-high of 875 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s a silky-smooth route runner with good size and hands, and his ability as a blocker is another trait that Harbaugh’s likely to appreciate.
Big Blue signed two wide receivers in free agency (Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III), but neither deal was a major commitment. It’s no secret that they could use another long-term pass-catcher across from Malik Nabers and new tight end weapon Isaiah Likely.
What the Experts Are Saying About Potential Giants NFL Draft Target Carnell Tate — Including a George Pickens Comparison
GettyThe New York Giants have scheduled a private pre-draft visit with wide receiver Carnell Tate following the Ohio State pro day.
Tate may not have the highest ceiling in this draft class, but he’s a well-put-together young man who can do a little bit of everything. That, coupled with his NFL-ready background coming from the famed Ohio State wide receiver system, makes him a top 10 prospect, according to most experts.
“Ascending ‘Z’ receiver who continues to step out from the shadow of Ohio State teammate Jeremiah Smith,” NFL Network draft scout Lance Zierlein writes, regarding Tate.
Continuing: “Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength. He builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks. He can win over the top on verticals or separate over the first two levels with route savvy and separation burst. Tate tracks throws at top speed and makes his adjustments to run under them. He combines timing, body control and catch radius to dominate air space and consistently lands on the winning side of contested catches.”
Zierlein concludes that catching the ball comes “effortlessly” for Tate, who “displays rare polish for a player his age and has the talent to become a heralded pro within his first three seasons.”
Although Zierlein compares Tate to ex-Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave, CBS Sports analyst Dave Richard believes he resembles Giants rival and Dallas Cowboys star George Pickens. At least, on the football field.
Per Richard, the two have a “similar build” and ability in contested catch situations.
Giants’ Ohio State News Highlights Wealth of Options at No. 5 Overall
The Ohio State pro day news is a great display of the range of options that the Giants have in round one.
There is clearly some interest in Tate and Styles, and Harbaugh was seen chatting with Downs and Reese on March 25, too.
Beyond the Buckeyes’ core, Big Blue could also target Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or a top offensive line prospect like Francis Mauigoa or Spencer Fano.
Oh, by the way, there’s a need at cornerback, too, and LSU’s Mansoor Delane is a popular name in that regard.
The Giants have several routes that they can go at No. 5 overall, and that’s mostly a good thing. On the flip side, the discussion also highlights how many holes this roster still has. Unfortunately, one pick won’t solve every issue.
Giants Take Next Step in Potential Pursuit of Coveted Wide Receiver