New NFL Draft Rumors on Carnell Tate's 40-Yard Dash Time After 2026 Combine

Ohio State star receiver Carnell Tate failed to impress with his 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, but some reportedly feel he actually did better than it appeared.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that "several" NFL executives and general managers timed Tate's 40-yard dash in the range of 4.45-4.47 seconds, slightly lower than his official time of 4.52 seconds.

Tate is ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver and No. 11 overall player in the 2026 NFL draft class on B/R's latest big board. He ended his junior year with the Buckeyes with 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.

Still, Tate's official 40 time raised some eyebrows at the NFL scouting combine, as he ranked 27th among 34 receivers. Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who joined the NFL Network broadcast at the time of Tate's run, even jokingly pushed for him to fall in the draft because of his slow time.

"He's pretty slow. Probably wouldn't take him early," Beane joked, as the Bills own the 26th pick in this year's draft. "Did you see how slow he was out of the gate? Corner's gonna lock him down."

Clocking the 40-yard dash in the range of 4.45-4.47 seconds, as Schefter reported, would move Tate up to 20th or 21st in the wide receiver group at the combine. At this point, it would be surprising if his draft stock takes a hit because of his official 40 time.

Tate likely will have another chance to impress scouts and silence any doubters at Ohio State's pro day, so Saturday's performance in the 40-yard dash certainly isn't the end of the world for him.