Commanders 2025 NFL Draft: Expert Mock Projects ‘Swiss-Army Knife’ WR Carnell Tate as No. 7 Pick

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C., USA — As the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft approaches in mere days, football enthusiasts are keenly awaiting their favorite teams’ selections.

While some franchises, such as the Las Vegas Raiders, appear set to target Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and are reportedly disinclined to entertain trade offers, other teams like the Arizona Cardinals present a less predictable draft landscape.

Commanders’ Draft Dilemma at No. 7

The Washington Commanders hold a pivotal position with the No. 7 overall pick, and speculation abounds regarding their potential choice. Reports indicate that head coach Dan Quinn has a strong inclination towards Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, should he be available on the board.

However, if Styles is off the board – a distinct possibility given his high prospect ranking – the Commanders’ strategy could pivot. According to Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr, the team might instead opt for Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.

Initially, an alternative prospect, Makai Lemon, drew attention due to comparisons with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Nevertheless, a revealing insight about Tate from former Ohio State teammate Will Howard (as shared in an ESPN piece) significantly swayed opinions regarding Tate’s potential fit within new coordinator David Blough’s offensive scheme.

“Carnell is kind of a little bit of a Swiss Army knife. He plays bigger than he is. He’s strong as hell, and he’s really sneaky fast. The thing I think that’s so overlooked about his game is how well he blocks. He is a hell of a blocking receiver, and he’s super unselfish.”

This description suggests Tate could be an immediate and impactful asset for quarterback Jayden Daniels, potentially accelerating the team’s offensive development.

The Unsung Credibility of Will Howard

Despite often being overlooked, Will Howard’s assessment carries considerable weight. Currently taking first-team repetitions for the Pittsburgh Steelers at minicamp in Aaron Rodgers’ absence, Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State, where he secured the starting quarterback role and subsequently led the team to a national championship in 2024. Tate was an integral part of that championship-winning roster.

Read More: 2026 Fantasy Football: Early Expert Rankings Identify Giants’ Potential ‘Busts’

Carnell Tate: A High-Potential Prospect

Any perceived weaknesses in Tate’s game are widely considered to be highly coachable and rectifiable. These include the need to add more mass in the weight room and refining his technique and body positioning to better disguise his routes from defenders.

His injury history is minimal, and his commitment to team success is unwavering. During his two seasons sharing the field with rising star Jeremiah Smith, Tate consistently performed his role without complaint, demonstrating a mature and selfless approach. This blend of maturity, polished on-field ability, and a team-first attitude makes him an ideal candidate to align with the Commanders’ strategic objectives.

Therefore, if Sonny Styles is indeed selected earlier — with Orr’s mock draft placing him with the New York Giants at pick five — then securing Carnell Tate at No. 7 would undoubtedly represent an excellent outcome for Washington.