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RD 7 - Bengals select AUDEN TATE, WR


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6'5

228 lbs

 

Even though he separated his shoulder during the 2017 season, Tate still impressed scouts with a strong junior campaign. He started eight of 12 games played, scoring a team-high 10 touchdowns while accumulated 548 yards on 40 receptions. Tate played in 13 games in 2016, starting four and catching 25 passes for 409 yards and six scores. He played in six games as a true freshman in 2015, struggling to make the field due to injury early in the year and failing to make a catch during the season despite being named a four-star recruit and top 25 receiver prospect nationally after excelling in the Tampa area. Tate was named the Seminoles' most improved player on offense in spring 2016 practices, setting up his break-out season.

 

Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Overview
Tate's speed and quickness limitations could make finding an NFL role for him challenging if he's unable to create enough separation for quarterbacks to target him. What he does have going for him is that he can catch through contact and has very good ball skills -- especially near the endzone. Tate's toughness and willingness to play through a shoulder injury this year will stand out to teams. Tate will be targeted by teams looking for a matchup weapon with value as a zone beater and red zone target.
Strengths
  • Great big target
  • Plays to his size
  • Does decent job of setting up breaks and creating room to work
  • Can stop and open to quarterback faster than expected
  • Able to body up and box out defenders in space
  • Body control is outstanding
  • Can leap and turn in mid-air to make adjustments to ball
  • Able to catch over cornerbacks and snare back shoulder throws
  • Extends long arms from tall frame to stab high throws that appear destined to become incompletions
  • Plucks ball away from his frame with strong hands
  • Touchdown-maker averaging a score every four catches during his career
  • Tough
  • Played through shoulder injury
Weaknesses
  • Play speed falls well below the NFL mark
  • Slow getting off the line and into his routes
  • Likely to see a plethora of press corners try and derail his routes on a regular basis
  • High-cut, long strider
  • Can't sink into breaks and is slow-footed getting in and out of breaks
  • Separation windows close quickly
  • Won't be able to create vertical separation
  • Sees high percentage of contested catches
Sources Tell Us

"He looks like he's dragging a sled when he runs, but they swear he will run faster than people think. There is some hype on him so I guess we will see when he works out." -- NFC regional scout
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19 hours ago, bigboi said:

When this pick was made,all I could think about was Chris Henry. Wide receiver who is a big target and can catch anything thrown his way.

He doesn't have Henry's speed, but he should be a good red zone option. If Tate can get separation consistently and make contested catches he will be a tough player to cut.... realistically he will be on the PS.

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