Pundits are calling for the Washington Commanders to give quarterback Jayden Daniels an elite playmaker to help on offense. The Commanders appear in position to do that at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But not every analyst is on board with that idea.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine named Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate the one prospect Washington should avoid in the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, Ballentine argued the Commanders should address their defense.
“Surrounding Jayden Daniels with more firepower is a noble draft objective for the Commanders. Pairing former Ohio State receiver Terry McLaurin with fellow Buckeye Carnell Tate would even check that box,” wrote Ballentine.
“But this is about utilizing the seventh pick to maximize the roster moving forward. That likely means spending the pick on a defensive player.”
Ballentine went on to note the Commanders were last in the NFL in total defense last season. They were also 27th in points allowed and inside the bottom five in rushing yards allowed, pass defense and takeaways.
Should the Commanders Not Draft WR Carnell Tate?
GettyOhio State’s Carnell Tate is one of the top wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ballentine’s warning came just days after ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicted Tate to land with the Commanders in the final version of his 2026 NFL mock draft.
“Tate is currently my No. 2 receiver behind Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, but he’s atop a lot of receiver boards around the league and doesn’t come with the same injury questions Tyson does,” wrote Kiper.
“Paired with another Ohio State product in Terry McLaurin, Tate would bring clean route running, reliability and some big-play ability. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season en route to 875 yards and nine trips to the end zone. Considering the Commanders would be relying on Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown behind McLaurin, this makes sense.”
In addition to being a consensus top 10 pick, Tate is widely considered a safe selection at wideout. He has a high floor and ceiling.
Even Kiper, though, admitted the Commanders have to improve defensively.
Whether the team’s selection at No. 7 overall addresses the defense or wideout, though, will depend on how the Commanders see building their roster. Tate has the ability to make an immediate impact and could be a pair with quarterback Jayden Daniels for years.
The very best defensive prospects could also be off the board before No. 7 overall.
Washington Set to Target RB Jeremiyah Love: Report
GettyBleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine argued Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders should avoid targeting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate in the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussed the possibility of the Commanders drafting an offensive playmaker Monday morning. But it wasn’t Tate.
Schefter reported that sources have told him that running back Jeremiyah Love will land with Washington if he’s still available at No. 7 overall.
“The Commanders at No. 7 would seem to be his floor,” wrote Schefter. “Last spring, the Commanders planned to pursue Aaron Jones Sr. before he returned to the Vikings.
“This offseason, Washington added Rachaad White and Jerome Ford to join Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but the team still does not have much money invested in the position. If the opportunity presents itself, some expect the Commanders would rush to turn in the card for Love, giving Washington a great offensive tandem with him and Jayden Daniels.”
If he doesn’t like Tate at No. 7 to Washington, Ballentine probably won’t be a fan of the Commanders selecting Love. But adding an offensive playmaker might be the preference in Washington.
Commanders Warned to Avoid Consensus Top 10 Playmaker in 2026 NFL Draft