Ravens can't fall into the trap of overthinking first-round prospect's 40 time

There are countless pros and cons to the NFL Combine. While some prospects are able to wow and boost their draft stock with some all-time great performances, others can slip up and watch their stock plummet. Even just average showings can underwhelm. In many cases, it’s a trap, and the Baltimore Ravens can’t afford to fall into that trap.

The Ravens are entering a new era. They hired Jesse Minter to be their fourth head coach in franchise history, which should change the tone on defense. At offensive coordinator, they hired Declan Doyle, who should bring more electricity to the offense. With young coaches on offense and defense, Baltimore can’t let that youthful coaching staff cloud their vision in the draft process.

As they always do, the Ravens are more than likely going to sit and wait for the best player to fall to them. After an average 40-yard dash time at this year’s Combine, that could be Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate ran a 4.54, which is fine, but was a bit underwhelming to some.

According to draft analyst Chad Reuter, Tate may have been one of the players whose stock went down on Saturday. He wrote:

“Tate is one of the best talents in this year’s draft, but his 4.53-second 40 was average, at best, for a 192-pound receiver. Tate did not attempt to overcome that mediocre long speed in field drills, passing up an opportunity to run smooth routes and show his strong hands. Unless he impresses scouts with his pro-day effort, teams drafting in the middle of the first round might have a chance to grab the Buckeyes' next top NFL wideout.”

Reuter said it himself, Tate is one of the best talents in the class. The Ravens can’t overthink his ability because of a 40-yard dash time. He would make a huge impact in Charm City.

Ravens could capitalize on Carnell Tate’s lackluster 40 time in 2026 NFL Draft

The Ravens know as well as any team that 40 times don’t really matter. It can be an indicator in some cases, but game speed is the main thing everyone should be worried about. Take All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, for example. He ran a 4.59 at the NFL Combine and a 4.56 at his Pro Day. While it was slower than expected at the time, no one cares four years later with the impact he’s made.

Tate’s game speed checks the boxes. He brings good burst and above-average play speed, matching it with varied route tempo to win one-on-one matchups. At Ohio State, he proved himself as a deep threat, taking the top off the defense countless times, and finishing his junior year in 2025 with an impressive 17.2 yards per reception. His speed isn’t generational, but it clearly does the job.

Tate also adds size to the equation when his speed may fall a bit behind in comparison to others. His Combine measurables came back at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds. He also has a great wingspan with nearly 32-inch arms and just over 10-inch hands. All that, along with plus-athleticism, makes him a lethal contested catch threat.

The former Ohio State star brings the type of traits to the table that aren’t easy to teach. The game comes naturally to him, and as a bigger-bodied threat, the Ravens need to go after him if he falls.

Currently, Baltimore’s offense lacks a contested catch artist. Two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers brings a different dynamic as a dangerous threat underneath and in the open field, and Tate would be the perfect complement. Declan Doyle has mentioned the offensive philosophy will be to hunt explosive plays, and there are not many better prospects at bringing that to an offense than Carnell Tate.

A 4.54 40-yard dash? So, what? Tate’s trying to be an NFL player, not a track star, and he brings plenty of talent to the football field. He may be the most well-rounded wide receiver prospect in the year’s draft. The Ravens would be silly to overreact to his 40 time.