Brian Baldinger: Carnell Tate can be a WR1 on day one
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Brian Baldinger: Carnell Tate can be a WR1 on day one” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of Afternoon Drive on The Fan, NFL insider Brian Baldinger joins the show to break down the 2026 NFL Draft, with a strong focus on the Cleveland Browns' selection at No. 6. Baldinger highlights Carnell Tate as a potential WR1 on Day One, praising his route-running, ball-handling, and acrobatic ability, especially in comparison to the Browns' current receiver corps. He also discusses the evolving value of slot receivers, citing elite players like Justin Jefferson and Jeremiah Smith as examples of versatile, high-impact talents. While acknowledging the depth at tackle, Baldinger expresses caution about early picks like Monroe Freeling and Caleb Lomu due to inexperience and developmental needs. He dismisses Ty Simpson as a top-6 pick, emphasizing that playing time is essential for quarterback development. Baldinger praises Jeremiah Love as a generational talent, though questions if the Browns should prioritize him over offensive line upgrades. The conversation wraps with a definition of a 'crushing draft'—identifying instant starters across multiple positions, as the Browns did in 2025.
Carnell Tate has the skill set to be an immediate WR1 for the Browns, potentially outperforming current roster members.
The NFL is increasingly valuing versatile receivers who can thrive both inside and outside, not just traditional outside threats.
Tackles like Freeling and Lomu show promise but lack experience and may need seasoning before being NFL-ready.
Quarterbacks like Ty Simpson should not be drafted too high without substantial college experience and proven performance.
A 'crushing draft' is defined by landing multiple instant starters across key positions, as the Browns did in 2025.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Opening the Draft Season
Host Kyle Wright welcomes Brian Baldinger to kick off the NFL Draft build-up, setting the tone for a high-energy discussion on top prospects and team strategies.
Carnell Tate: The WR1 on Day One
“Carnell Tate, from a route runner standpoint, from just an acrobatic standpoint, from ability to adjust to a ball in the air, and just overall ability to catch a ball, he looks better than anybody they have in Cleveland right now.”
The Rise of the Versatile Receiver
“You've got to move these guys around. You've got to be able to play inside. You've got to play outside. You've got to be in motion. You've got to do a lot of different things.”
Tackle Prospects: Promise vs. Reality
Baldinger evaluates top tackle prospects like Monroe Freeling, Caleb Lomu, and Max Ihanchor, cautioning that inexperience and late starts in football may hinder immediate NFL readiness.
Quarterback Draft Strategy: Why Ty Simpson Isn't a Top-6 Pick
“The only way you get to get better at that position is by playing. Now, you can say, okay, well, Aaron Rodgers sat. Well, Aaron Rodgers played for three years in college.”
“If you find starters at four positions in this draft or three, and they're front-line players the way Schwestinger was last year, then I would say that would be crushing the draft.”
“Carnell Tate, from a route runner standpoint, from just an acrobatic standpoint, from ability to adjust to a ball in the air, and just overall ability to catch a ball, he looks better than anybody they have in Cleveland right now.”
“The only way you get to get better at that position is by playing. Now, you can say, okay, well, Aaron Rodgers sat. Well, Aaron Rodgers played for three years in college.”
Host
Guest
Cleveland Browns
other
Brian Baldinger
person
Carnell Tate
person
Jeremiah Love
person
Jeremiah Smith
person
Ty Simpson
person
Caleb Lomu
person
Monroe Freeling
person
Sonny Stiles
person
Andrew Barry
person
Does Todd Monken Already Have a Favorite at Quarterback?
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 16m • 3/31/2026
Are the Browns Trying To Throw Everyone Off the Scent With QB Competition?
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 15m • 3/31/2026
Quick Hits: Aaron Rodgers heading back to Pittsburgh?
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 12m • 3/31/2026
What's more compelling: Shohei Ohtani vs. Guardians or LeBron James vs. Cavaliers
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 16m • 3/31/2026
Joe DeLeone: Browns can leverage the No. 6 pick if Jeremiyah Love is still available; I’d rather wait until No. 24 to draft a WR
Afternoon Drive on The Fan • 16m • 3/31/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Brian Baldinger: Carnell Tate can be a WR1 on day one” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime