The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on April 23, so draft analysts are now rolling out their final mock drafts. Typically, these are the mocks that are the most accurate, because analysts can use all the intel they gathered throughout draft season to guide their predictions.
That’s why Dallas Cowboys fans are paying special attention to analysts’ latest prediction that the team will trade up to the sixth pick for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
While that was the major takeaway for the Cowboys in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, there was another projection that could have implications for Dallas. With the No. 7 overall pick, Kiper predicted that the Washington Commanders would select wide receiver Carnell Tate.
The Ohio State wideout is considered the safest wide receiver prospect in the class, and him possibly joining Washington’s offense could spell trouble for Dallas.
Mel Kiper’s Carnell Tate prediction could be bad news for Cowboys
In this mock, Washington was able to stay put at No. 7 and select the first receiver off the board. Kiper explained that defensive players will certainly be in play for the Commanders, but thinks the option of pairing Tate with fellow former Buckeye Terry McLaurin, who is quietly getting up there in age, could be too tempting for Washington to pass up.
"Paired with another Ohio State product in Terry McLaurin, Tate would bring clean route running, reliability and some big-play ability. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season en route to 875 yards and nine trips to the end zone. Considering the Commanders would be relying on Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown behind McLaurin, this makes sense."
The addition of Tate in Washington will certainly make the Cowboys take notice. The Commanders already proved to be a dangerous team under the lead of Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels, going 12-5 and losing in the NFC Championship in 2024.
While injuries and a few weaknesses led to a 5-12 season in 2025, Washington has the chance to address those weaknesses in the draft. Selecting Tate would do just that, making Daniels and the Commanders even more dangerous.
The Cowboys don't want to see that, because a better Washington team makes things even tougher for them to reclaim the NFC East crown.
Not only would they have to play the Commanders twice a year, but Dallas would also still have to battle with them for NFC East supremacy. With that being the case, odds are Jerry Jones and company would love to see their rival take someone other than Tate.
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