According to ESPN's updated NFL Mock Draft, the player who looked likely to be taken early in the top 10 of the NFL Draft will fall to the Miami Dolphins at No. 11 overall.
After a disappointing 7–10 season, change was expected. However, Miami fans got more than they expected. He fired head coach Mike McDaniels and replaced him with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Then they started working on reimagining the roster.
The Dolphins took on a lot of dead cap, breaking up with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, linebacker Bradley Chubb and receiver Tyreek Hill. They then traded veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Waddle. The bold overhaul has left glaring holes on the roster, especially in the wide receiver room.
That's why the Dolphins have been linked to several pass catchers with their pick at No. 11 in the draft, including USC's Makai Lemon and Arizona State's Jordan Tyson. However, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper believes a stud WR prospect who many thought could go top five will fall to Miami.
Will Carnell Tate fall to the Dolphins at No. 11 in the NFL Draft?
"Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are gone. But Carnell Tate's route-running ability, sure hands and range as a pass catcher will move quarterback Malik Willis to WR1 and boost the Dolphins' lackluster receiver room," Kiper wrote in ESPN's new NFL mock draft.
The Ohio State star has long been considered the top receiver in this year's class, with projections calling him going to the New York Giants at No. 5 or the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. However, in ESPN's mocks, he is the second WR off the board after the Browns took Lemon with their first pick.
Some draft pundits, obviously, believe the Trojan star is the best receiver in the 2026 class. But many are impressed by Tate's all-round skills and ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL. If he loses to the Dolphins at 11, Miami's decision-makers won't be disappointed.
Tate had a breakout season in 2025, posting 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 51 catches.
