Carnell Tate Downplays 'Overvalued' 40-Yard Dash at OSU Pro Day After NFL Combine Performance

Carnell Tate, one of the top players in this year's NFL draft class, opted not to run the 40-yard dash at his Ohio State pro day despite a relatively slow time at the NFL combine last month.

Tate, who ran a time of 4.53 seconds at the combine, called the drill "overvalued," per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. The wide receiver said that his 40-yard dash time is not what defines his game.

"I think I'm a great football player," Tate said. "My speed ... the combine is one time, but ultimately I'm a great football player. When you put the pads on, it's another level."

Tate is considered to be the No. 9 overall player and the No. 2 wide receiver in this year's draft class, according to Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report, he's projected to go fifth overall to the New York Giants.

In his final season with the Buckeyes, Tate posted 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games.