New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers drew sharp criticism during a Bleacher Report livestream of the 2026 NFL draft for questioning the Tennessee Titans’ decision to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall.
While acknowledging Tate’s talent and ability to win contested catches, Nabers argued the pick was too high for a receiver in this draft class. He added that he did not consider Tate a true No. 1 option, noting that the prospect had never been the leading receiver on his college team.
“He’s a very talented player. Like you said, can high-point the ball. But, he’s going to do tremendous in Coach Daboll’s offense,” Nabers said. “But I don’t think this is a draft to take a receiver that high. That’s high for a receiver.
“No. I don’t see him being a No. 1. He hasn’t been a No. 1 on the team that he has been on.”
The remarks quickly spread online, prompting backlash from Ohio State fans. Many noted that Tate played behind two of the program’s all-time greats, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, making it unrealistic for him to have been the Buckeyes’ top receiver.
Tate became the first Ohio State player drafted in the first round of a class that produced four selections in the opening 11 picks.
Nabers’ comments on the Titans were not isolated. The same broadcast featured his pointed disappointment with the Giants’ selections, including their choice of linebacker Arvell Reese over safety Caleb Downs.
The Giants later spoke with Nabers about the viral footage and placed him in damage-control mode. Head coach John Harbaugh indicated the organization is not overly concerned and views the episode as resolved.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants’ Malik Nabers shades Titans first-round pick Carnell Tate
Reporting by Dan Benton, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
