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Commanders linked to Ohio State WR in 2026 mock draft

The Washington Commanders could land one of the top wide receivers in next year's draft.

Jeremy Brener

Ohio State Buckeye Scarlet Carnell Tate makes a catch against team Gary in the 1st half during the spring game.
Ohio State Buckeye Scarlet Carnell Tate makes a catch against team Gary in the 1st half during the spring game. / Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Washington Commanders are done with the 2025 NFL Draft, but some in the scouting department will begin to watch film on some of the members of the 2026 rookie crop.

Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski has the Commanders taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate in the first round of his way-too-early 2026 mock draft.

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championshi
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tate to the Commanders?

"Fresh off a run to the NFC Championship Game, the Washington Commanders are going all-in on winning a Super Bowl while Jayden Daniels remains on a rookie contract," Sobleski wrote.

"Washington's front office made a couple of big trades this offseason, bringing in offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

"While Tunsil is only under contract through 2026 and has no dead cap on his deal past this upcoming season, Washington used its first-round pick on a succession plan by taking Josh Conerly Jr. this past weekend. Plus, the club spent a third-rounder on Brandon Coleman in 2024.

"Meanwhile, Samuel is on a contract year, as is Terry McLaurin, making wide receiver a big need next offseason. Bringing back one of those two—likely McLaurin—is probable but both aren't, especially considering the organization will want to save room for Daniels' eventual massive extension.

"General manager Adam Peters will likely prioritize adding a big target outside to pair with McLaurin by giving Daniels another Ohio State wide receiver in Carnell Tate.

"The 6'3" Tate logged 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns while serving as the Buckeyes' No. 3 receiver last season."

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next April in Pittsburgh.

READ MORE: Sports Illustrated grades for the Commanders' 2025 NFL Draft class

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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• 3 bold NFL Draft predictions that could involve the Commanders

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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