Steelers Select Standout Ohio State Receiver In CBS Sport Mock Draft

A consistent trend among Ohio State wide receivers is their ability to rise to the occasion at the NFL level.

This season, we've seen former Buckeyes such as Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tampa Bay rookie Emeka Egbuka emerge as impactful offensive x-factors for their respective teams. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it has been nearly two decades since they last selected an Ohio State receiver in the first round. However, one CBS Sports analyst projects that this may soon change.

In his latest mock draft, NFL analyst Mike Renner projects the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting standout wide receiver Carnell Tate with the 16th overall pick. Renner also noted that Tate’s draft stock could rise even further if he continues to perform at a high level throughout the remainder of the college football regular season and into the playoffs.

"He's a true No. 1 receiver, even if he isn't for his own offense with Jeremiah Smith on the other side of him. He's caught 34 balls for 587 yards and six scores this season."

As currently constructed, the Steelers’ roster features one established receiving threat in DK Metcalf. Beyond him, the team has yet to identify a reliable complement, with Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson among the potential options.

Through seven games this season with the Buckeyes, Tate ranks second on the team in receptions (34), receiving yards (587), and receiving touchdowns (6), underscoring his consistent impact and potential as a future NFL playmaker.