2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Golden Tate

Strengths:
  • Extremely productive
  • Very athletic
  • Adequate speed to stretch a defense
  • Great hand-eye coordination
  • Nice Y.A.C.
  • Makes acrobatic catches
  • Strong; not an easy tackle
  • Plucks ball at apex
  • Experience in West Coast offense
  • Comes back to quarterback when play breaks down
  • Versatile; can play Wildcat, slot, split end
  • Shows nice vision after catch
  • Eats cushion quickly
  • Shifty runner
  • Intelligent
  • Great instincts
  • Good leadership
  • Had some DOMINANT games
  • Plays with heart; very competitive



    Weaknesses:
  • Very poor route runner
  • Doesn’t sink hips in break
  • Doesn’t sell route very well
  • Average size
  • Not much of a blocker
  • Doesn’t have elite speed
  • Can he beat jam at next level?
  • Questionable deep threat
  • Might need some development
  • Occasionally drops a routine catch

    Summary: I think Tate’s draft stock is dependent on his 40 time. If he can run in the 4.4s, then he is a first-round pick. If he doesn’t, then it is questionable. Tate profiles as a very good No. 2 receiver at the next level, but don’t count on him to be Andre Johnson. Tate played baseball at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of high school in 2007. Tate profiles as a late first- to early second-round pick.

    Player Comparison: Steve Smith (Giants). Tate and Smith of course have the size comparison, but they are both natural receivers with good speed.



    RELATED LINKS:


    2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt’s | Walt’s


    2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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