I scouted Carnell Tate. Sorry this will be an extra long one cause i have a lot to say.
First thing that jumps out for good and bad is how much of a finished product he is. He is already playing like he is in the NFL, getting 2 feet in bounds on the exterior. In his precise route running. In his savvy of the game. His professional reliable hands. He looks ready to go week 1. The problem is, i don't see a lot of room to grow here, which is odd to say about a 20 year old. But typically when you talk about a guy improving that involves learning to use his gifts. But he already pretty much does, and that is the problem.
He lacks speed and it is noticeable. You see time after time him having to win with his strong hands in a contested catch. That's good. Not having to is much better. Cause every contested catch has a much higher chance of an interception. His quickness is very good for his height. But it won't be enough to make a difference at the NFL level IMO. Demayius Thomas was a similar size and even more slippery IMO, and he only got limited use out of it. You really need to specialize in that for it to be special.
Considering his speed, putting more weight on his lean 200 lb 6'3 frame possibly slowing him down more is not a good idea. I like that he fights for extra yards, but he rarely gets much after contact. Not like you with see bigger 225lb guys diving forward. That isn't his game. And will likely never be. So he won't be getting much stronger. His athletic ability can still improve a bit, but i don't think he is suddenly going to run 4.5. And from the looks of it I would be surprised if he is even below 4.6 TBH.
While the contested catch thing and strong hands is awesome. I can't help but wonder is this another case of JJ Arcega-Whiteside? The contested catch phenom in college whose lack of speed was not going to be a problem according to many draftniks. Well, it was. And he went from 2nd rounder to out of the league in 3 years. So to rely on making contested catches cause you lack speed or quickness typically doesn't work, particularly when you lack the frame to out muscle.
That aside, I don't think he is a 'Whiteside.'
He has a lot more savvy. Fantastic body control and uses all of his length. He doesn't need to box you out. He will pluck it from you. While he lacks strength in some areas, his hands are iron. He is fantastic at setting up players to get just a bit of separation, and if you can hit him in stride on time, he will likely give you a window. If you are off, he still has a chance to come down with it. So i like the player. But I am sorry to many on here who pump his tires. I do not see a WR1 here. Compared to pretty much the rest of the football world. I am down on Tate. Way down.
Tate Is not a WR1 IMO.. And even not a WR2. I need to be honest. I don't know how i feel about it in the NFL. Where CBs will be faster am more savvy too, and will be taking advantage of that low speed to jump some passes and cause some back breaking interceptions. I don't think he can be a lynch pin of a good NFL offense. Sorry. I just don't see it here. I will probably be wrong, cause more consistent draft experts seem to all be agreeing. But if your plan is to use him as a corner stone guy I think you will regret it. He IMO is the guy you bring in for a very select set of plays for things he does particularly well.
I really like him as a red zone option. Put him on the boundary and let him work. Let him make a cut and get it in fast before the defender has time to close. Those are things I see him doing really well. But he is not IMO an every down player. And that will reflect in my grade.
Tate is a top 96 player. And frankly i would feel more comfortable about him in the 4th as i see him being near the bottom of this ranking tier.
