The 2026 NFL Draft is a week away, and the Washington Commanders could go in a variety of directions with their seventh overall selection in the first round. Potentially, the top receiving prospect on the board is Ohio State Buckeyes’ wide out Carnell Tate. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Tate revealed a deeper connection he shares with the Commanders.
When asked about the private visits he still has remaining, Tate revealed he only has the New York Giants and Commanders left. When he brought up Washington, Eisen responded with, “[Terry] McLaurin’s not going to let you out of the building.”
To which Tate joyfully responded, “That’s my guy, whenever I need things he’s there for me. He say [we] welcome you with open arms.”
When asked to expand on his answer, Tate replied, “All Ohio State receivers, we look out for each other. That’s their way of giving back to us and get to where they are in their process. So he just said, whatever I need, if there’s any questions or anything I need, just hit his line. He got me, he’ll take care of me.”
McLaurin’s attempt to help Tate transition may be a kind-natured act of goodwill, but his insight into Tate could be a factor that general manager Adam Peters takes into account if Tate is on the board during their pick.
Carnell Tate Could Be The Commanders’ Target for Terry McLaurin’s Successor
GettyOhio State Buckeye’s wide receiver Carnell Tate caught 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025.
Terry McLaurin has been a staple for Washington since he burst onto the scene in 2019. The former third-round pick caught 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven scores as a rookie. McLaurin is currently 30 years old and is coming off a season in which he missed seven games due to injury (the most in his career). The Commanders’ front office has made a concerted effort to get younger as they transition into a new era. With McLaurin most likely on the backend of his career, the team may be considering alternative options for the future.
Well, who better to eventually replace McLaurin than a receiver that shares his same number (17) and heralds from the same school as him?
Sports Illustrated’s Joanne Coley broke down how Tate’s skill set is even comparable to McLaurin’s.
“Tate and McLaurin share more than just a college connection,” Coley states. “Both receivers have similar playing styles. Both can go downfield and get open on shorter routes, which makes them tough to defend.”
Coley concludes that Tate would be the perfect complement to McLaurin for the near future and could be the player he passes the torch to down the line.
Carnell Tate Embraced The Idea Of Being The Next Terry McLaurin
Tate even embraced the idea of following in McLaurin’s footsteps in an interview with WUSA9 on March 27th.
“It would be a blessing for me to go out there and play with a former Ohio State Buckeye,” Tate said following his Pro Day workout. “Terry’s done great things at Washington, he’s done great things for that program, so it’ll be an honor, like I said, to go in there and play for a Buckeye who lived my journey and where I’m trying to be at next.”
Commanders’ WR Target Sends Strong Message on Succeeding Terry McLaurin