The Browns and general manager Andrew Berry don’t have much room for error in this year’s draft. After last year’s decision, every move will be watched closely, especially at wide receiver.

NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler recently spoke about Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate and raised a key concern.

“I think it's funny with Carnell Tate,” Brugler said. “One of the reasons they passed on [Tetairoa] McMillan last year…was because they had an incomplete testing profile. All he did was a 40-yard dash the entire process, and he ran a 4.53.”

This matters because teams often want full testing results before making a high pick. When that data is limited, it can create doubt, even if the player has shown ability on the field.

"What did Carnell Tate do? All he did in this process was run a 40, and he ran a 4.53," Brugler added.

For Cleveland, with a sixth overall pick in hand, this situation feels familiar. Last year, the team traded down from the No. 2 spot to the No. 5 spot, selecting Mason Graham.

At that time, Berry said it was a "fantastic opportunity" for the team to be able to add a player in the trenches. But looking at what McMillan has stacked up in the last season, passing on him seems like a bad idea.

The Carolina Panthers' WR had 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. He earned the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and the PFWA's Offensive Rookie of the Year as well.

So, as the team has already passed on a player for similar reasons, that history could affect how they view Tate now.

He is seen as one of the better options in this class and could be available when the Browns make their pick.

All of this now brings the focus back to Cleveland’s decision-making and whether they handle this situation differently.

Carnell Tate’s Draft Case Puts Browns in a Tough Spot

As the Browns prepare for their pick, the decision is not as simple as just choosing a wide receiver.

It is about how much weight they give to testing results compared to what they see on the field. Brugler also pointed to this dilemma.

"I think it's interesting when you look at it from that lens; would the Browns, seeing the success of McMillan had last year with the Panthers as an NFL rookie…would they look at the situation the same with Tate?” Brugler asked.

If the Browns stick to their past approach, they may hesitate again. But if they focus more on game performance, Tate becomes a strong option.

This decision will also reflect Andrew Berry’s draft strategy. It is not just about filling a need, but about how the team evaluates players in key moments.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore