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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