Talk to me about Golden Tate (1 Viewer)

[switz]

I've heard both extremely optimistic and terribly pessimistic outlooks for this guy. Comparisons to Peter Warrick and Desean Jackson.

What do the sharkpoolers think, and why?

 

[Stinkin Ref]

curious as well as well as I heard KC may be looking at him with their second pick....

 

[EBF]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from.

I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size.

The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.

We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from. I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size. The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I agree with most of this, but players like Derrick Mason, Laveranues Coles and Troy Brown were of a similar size/speed ratio (at least when they got older). And while Tate is short, he plays like a guy like Chambers, i.e., bigger than his size. I'd be curious to see what sort of vertical Tate brings.

 

[EBF]

Mason sort of fits the mold. I think he's a little bit more explosive than Tate. He has always been an underrated athlete.

Coles was a 4.3 guy entering the league. He has lost a step and that's why he's no longer a quality starter.

 

[FTRWRTR]

Darn it, I was hoping he'd be a good sleeper pick for me. Oh well, thanks for your opinion, EBF

 

[coolnerd]

Darn it, I was hoping he'd be a good sleeper pick for me. Oh well, thanks for your opinion, EBF

Honestly, he could be, but there are not a lot of Wrs with his profile in the league, but ha has proven productive in college. My visual guess is that he will run 4.45-4.50 range which as stated earlier is not a good ratio for a player who will probably measure somewhere around 5'10" 195 ish. More than the pure 40 time, I will pay attention to how he does in the quickness drills 3-cone etc and the explosion drills (long and broad jump). Style wise position comparison the Mason to Ward stuff works, but those who are guile type players and not as hghly regarded coming out as Tate is currently. Overall, I think if you have watched him play and are comfortable with him, I think he will be one of the top 5 WR taken in the draft. However, if you think he played slow when you watched (I didn't) not sure that the combine alone will make you feel better about his chances.

 

[LHUCKS]

I've heard both extremely optimistic and terribly pessimistic outlooks for this guy. Comparisons to Peter Warrick and Desean Jackson.What do the sharkpoolers think, and why?

He is not in Desean's league when it comes to quicks...not even close IMHO.

 

[LHUCKS]

Darn it, I was hoping he'd be a good sleeper pick for me. Oh well, thanks for your opinion, EBF

Honestly, he could be, but there are not a lot of Wrs with his profile in the league, but ha has proven productive in college. My visual guess is that he will run 4.45-4.50 range which as stated earlier is not a good ratio for a player who will probably measure somewhere around 5'10" 195 ish. More than the pure 40 time, I will pay attention to how he does in the quickness drills 3-cone etc and the explosion drills (long and broad jump). Style wise position comparison the Mason to Ward stuff works, but those who are guile type players and not as hghly regarded coming out as Tate is currently. Overall, I think if you have watched him play and are comfortable with him, I think he will be one of the top 5 WR taken in the draft. However, if you think he played slow when you watched (I didn't) not sure that the combine alone will make you feel better about his chances.

He'll go top 5 and will probably not be worth it.

 

[Sweet Love]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from. I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size. The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I agree with most of this, but players like Derrick Mason, Laveranues Coles and Troy Brown were of a similar size/speed ratio (at least when they got older). And while Tate is short, he plays like a guy like Chambers, i.e., bigger than his size. I'd be curious to see what sort of vertical Tate brings.

No doubt about it, but you are looking at 4th, 3rd and 7th rounders (and 2nd rounder in Chambers)...Tate is projected in the 1st, I believe, and while those 4 ALL out performed their ADP (so to speak), do you really go into a draft in the top 20 , picking the 2nd WR overall "hoping" you walk away with Lav Coles or Troy Brown.One of the best lines I ever heard from a GM was when (in the NHL), the NY Rangers used a top 7 pick on a center neamed Manny Maholtra, in I believe, back in the mid-90s. The GM at the time said something along the lines when questioned on why they did not use the pick on an "impact player", he responeded with "we don't expect him to be more than a 3rd line Center", which begged the question, why the Hell did you choose him there?!?!?You go into a draft in the first round looking for stars...not second fiddles.

 

[LHUCKS]

If I'm a GM I'd much rather have a Taylor Price in the third or 4th round then Tate in the first...that's just me.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If Tate's not too small, and runs something like 4.44 or better I think he'll be solid. He's listed at 5'11", 195 and 4.44 on NFL Draft Scout so the combine will actually be pretty important for him. He's not a slam dunk yet IMO.

 

[identikit]

If I'm a GM I'd much rather have a Trevor Price in the third or 4th round then Tate in the first...that's just me. ™

Taylor Price?

 

[awesomeness]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from.

I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size.

The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.

We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I'm not a huge Golden Tate fan, but you are really under selling him with this post, at least in the speed and strength facets. Tate won't have much trouble overpowering NFL CB's, and he also has the strength to overpower some NFL safeties imo. Skip to the 1:35 mark of this video:
Tate takes a full shot from uber athlete Taylor Mays, yet it's Mays that falls to the ground. Tate also looks to have adequate speed for a WR. I doubt he'll have much trouble running sub 4.6, he may even run sub 4.5; we'll find out next week. The reason why Tate isn't an elite prospect is because he is heavily lacking in the WR skills department. His route running is poor, he almost never hand catches, he primarily traps the ball against his chest, etc. Players like Hines Ward and Derrick Mason, who have similar physical attributes to Tate, also have very good WR skills. If you're drafting Tate, you're going to have to hope that Tate develops these skills in the NFL. Although it's possible, it is not guaranteed to happen and if it does happen it likely will take a few years and a team to be patient with him.

 

[LHUCKS]

If I'm a GM I'd much rather have a Trevor Price in the third or 4th round then Tate in the first...that's just me. ™

Taylor Price?

yep, my bad

 

[Sweet Love]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from.

I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size.

The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.

We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I'm not a huge Golden Tate fan, but you are really under selling him with this post, at least in the speed and strength facets. Tate won't have much trouble overpowering NFL CB's, and he also has the strength to overpower some NFL safeties imo. Skip to the 1:35 mark of this video:

Nice post, awesomeness...I feel like I have a lot more info now. At what point do we wonder why potential first round guys lack the real basic skills at their positions (Tate with this pass trapping, Tebow with the whole snap from under center)???

 

[Blackjacks]

Not a big fan of Tate.

I think he had success thanks to a VERY good qb, a good offensive coach and a VERY good wr and tight end taking away double teams.

I love the Josh Reed comparison.

I don't see the Desean Jackson comparisons at all and a laughed at some earlier comparisons to Percy Harvin.

NOT EVEN IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THESE TWO

 

[HellToupee]

the NFL player I see is Lance Long

 

[awesomeness]

Not a big fan of Tate.I think he had success thanks to a VERY good qb, a good offensive coach and a VERY good wr and tight end taking away double teams.I love the Josh Reed comparison.I don't see the Desean Jackson comparisons at all and a laughed at some earlier comparisons to Percy Harvin.NOT EVEN IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THESE TWO

Golden Tate averaged 140yds from scrimmage and 1.4 TDs per game on the season last year, during the 4 games in which Michael Floyd did not play Tate averaged 155 yds from scrimmage and 1.6 TDs per game. I think it's safe to say Tate's success didn't come from Michael Floyd taking double teams. His coach ran a NFL style offense, that is a positive for Tate rather than a negative. Though I fully agree that Jimmy Clausen helped Tate's numbers immensely, but unless he ends up on a team like the Rams who have no QB than he will likely have another good/great QB throwing him the ball. The DeSean Jackson comparison makes absolutely no sense. The Percy Harvin comparison makes some sense from the points that they are both strong and fast guys who played some WR and RB in college. Although Tate doesn't have Harvin's quickness or long speed, and also doesn't hand catch as well as Harvin.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I thought he was the 2nd best receiver on his team as Floyd IMO was the best. Tate will be OK, I don't expect him to be a stud. He's a solid athlete and seems like he was a step ahead of most of the defensive backs he played against, just not sure his size will allow him to do that at the next level. Overall, I think he's a risky pick for where he'll be taken in the draft.

 

[footballfreek]

I have watched plenty of video of Tate and what I see is a football player making a ton of productive football plays. I think he will surprise beyond the consensus. He may not run the 4.4 Steve Smith (Carolina) out of college but it won’t be much slower. Tate has plenty toughness. Needs to improve on his route running.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from. I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size. The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I have no basis to compare Tate to anyone. However, Greg Jennings had very similar knocks coming into the draft. Wasn't fast enough. Wasn't big enough. The question is, does Tate have game speed and is he a refined route runner? I have no idea, just asking the question.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I have watched plenty of video of Tate and what I see is a football player making a ton of productive football plays. I think he will surprise beyond the consensus. He may not run the 4.4 Steve Smith (Carolina) out of college but it won’t be much slower. Tate has plenty toughness. Needs to improve on his route running.

I agree with this assessment. He's tough and flat out produces. I think he is quality second round material but some team will almost certainly reach for him in the first round.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I think he had success thanks to a VERY good qb, a good offensive coach and a VERY good wr and tight end taking away double teams.

Between that and being on tv every week it's hard to see him with any good value pinned to where he will be drafted in FF.

 

[EBF]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from. I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size. The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I have no basis to compare Tate to anyone. However, Greg Jennings had very similar knocks coming into the draft. Wasn't fast enough. Wasn't big enough. The question is, does Tate have game speed and is he a refined route runner? I have no idea, just asking the question.

Greg Jennings is taller and he can get behind people vertically. Jennings may not be known as a speed guy, but he ran 4.42 at the combine. I'll be pretty surprised if Tate can match that kind of time. To me, Tate is a classic example of a collegiate superstar who simply lacks the physical tools to make the transition to the next level. We'll see what's "under the hood" in a few days when the combine begins. Maybe he'll surprise me with his athletic ability. I think his stock will fall when they measure him though. He's short and probably not very fast. I don't think teams will be able to justify using a first round pick on him, even if that's where most mocks peg him.

 

[houndirish]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from.

I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size.

The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.

We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I'm not a huge Golden Tate fan, but you are really under selling him with this post, at least in the speed and strength facets. Tate won't have much trouble overpowering NFL CB's, and he also has the strength to overpower some NFL safeties imo. Skip to the 1:35 mark of this video:

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to bring up his hands. To me, that's what I'm most concerned with. Granted I only saw a few games but I saw a guy who seemed to be able to get open easily, was tough and difficult to tackle, but also suffered from some BAD drops. I want to say it was the Michigan game this past year ... seemed vintage Tate where he made a lot of plays but also had some horrific drops. Speed and athleticism don't always transfer from college to the pros but hands seem to. That being said if they're bad in college, it's not often that they're suddenly velcro in the pros.

 

[jdswan922]

I think he's probably fool's gold. He's listed at 5'11", but his actual height is probably closer to 5'10" or 5'9". That alone wouldn't be a big problem, but most of the good short WRs in the NFL have 4.3 speed. I don't think Tate is that fast. He's too slow to outrun NFL DBs and too small to overpower them. I just don't see where his yards are going to come from. I've heard a wide range of NFL comparisons. Some people say Steve Smith, which doesn't make any sense to me because Smith is a lot faster and more explosive. Other people cite possession WRs like Hakeem Nicks and Hines Ward, but that doesn't work for me either because Tate doesn't have the same kind of size. The player comparison that works for me is Josh Reed. Both are short, stocky WRs who were converted from RB. Both were prolific college WRs. People might not remember it now, but Reed won the Biletnikoff at LSU with 1700+ receiving yards in his final season. He has struggled to duplicate that success in the NFL because he lacks either the size or speed to consistently beat coverage. I think Tate will struggle with the same issue.We'll see how he does at the combine. I think he'll measure shorter than his listed height and I don't think he'll run an elite 40 time. He might be able to hit a mid 4.4, but I don't see him hitting the 4.3 range of DeSean, Royal, SMoss, Holmes, etc.

I have no basis to compare Tate to anyone. However, Greg Jennings had very similar knocks coming into the draft. Wasn't fast enough. Wasn't big enough. The question is, does Tate have game speed and is he a refined route runner? I have no idea, just asking the question.

Greg Jennings is taller and he can get behind people vertically. Jennings may not be known as a speed guy, but he ran 4.42 at the combine. I'll be pretty surprised if Tate can match that kind of time. To me, Tate is a classic example of a collegiate superstar who simply lacks the physical tools to make the transition to the next level. We'll see what's "under the hood" in a few days when the combine begins. Maybe he'll surprise me with his athletic ability. I think his stock will fall when they measure him though. He's short and probably not very fast. I don't think teams will be able to justify using a first round pick on him, even if that's where most mocks peg him.

How can you be so sure that Jennings is taller? His college measurements are nearly identical to Tate's. Jennings was listed at 5'11" 192 and Tate is listed as 5'11" 195. I am not sure why you think he is so much shorter, but maybe it is because he is always standing next to Clausen (6'3"), Floyd (6'3") and Rudolph (6'6"). I don't think that Tate is necessarily worth a 1st round pick, but I do think you are selling him short. He may not run a 4.3, but I anticipate a mid to high 4.4. He is very quick and strong. I think he has a chance to succeed at the next level. Until I see the real measurements from the combine, I don't feel that there is reason to doubt his size.

 

[LHUCKS]

McShay all over my Taylor Price call.

 

[EBF]

How can you be so sure that Jennings is taller? His college measurements are nearly identical to Tate's. Jennings was measured at 5'11" 192 and Tate is listed as 5'11" 195.

Fixed.Just watch the games. Tate is visibly shorter than most of the CBs covering him and CBs don't tend to be very tall.

Jennings and Tate have virtually nothing in common as football players.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

How can you be so sure that Jennings is taller? His college measurements are nearly identical to Tate's. Jennings was measured at 5'11" 192 and Tate is listed as 5'11" 195.

Fixed.Just watch the games. Tate is visibly shorter than most of the CBs covering him and CBs don't tend to be very tall.

Jennings and Tate have virtually nothing in common as football players.

This is why I asked the question.However, I'd like to know what you're basing that comparison on. We know now that Jennings can flat out play. But again, I don't remember him being all that hyped heading into the NFL. Yes, some thought he could be a sleeper. But others knocked his speed and size. And some questioned the pick by Green Bay while others praised it. I don't really remember Jennings being touted as a vertical threat coming into the league. In fact his route running and YAC was the key selling point.

Again, I know little about Tate having not watched him much, just trying to understand the large gap between these two players you're seeing.

SI's take on Jennings: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...yers/18332.html

POSITIVES: Sure-handed, quick receiver with outstanding work ethic. Fast off the line, sharp running routes and gets separation from opponents. Consistently makes himself an available target and extends to grab the ball away from his frame. Quickly transitions up the field after the catch and is elusive handling the ball. Comes across the middle of the field making the reception in stride. Displays soft hands and uses his frame to shield away opponents.

NEGATIVES: Needs to improve his blocking. Not a true downfield threat. Has a thin build and does not present himself as a sturdy receiver.

ANALYSIS: Ultra-productive the past three seasons, Jennings is a solid wideout who's continually improved his game. Offers potential as a No. 3 receiver at the next level.

 

[EBF]

SI.com's scouting reports tend to be kind of crappy. They always throw out that line "could be a 4th WR at the next level" or "projects as a 3rd WR in the NFL" even if the prospect in question is a 2nd-3rd round pick with obvious starter upside.

Sure, Jennings wasn't expected to be as good as he is, but that does't somehow make him a clone of Tate. For every Jennings there are a couple guys like Sinorice Moss, Mark Clayton, and Josh Reed. Who's to say Tate won't end up like them?

I'm standing by my evaluation of Tate until it's proven wrong. He's a good football player, but he lacks the size to overpower DBs and the speed to run by them. Without either of those traits, he'll struggle to consistently separate in the NFL.

 

[awesomeness]

How can you be so sure that Jennings is taller? His college measurements are nearly identical to Tate's. Jennings was measured at 5'11" 192 and Tate is listed as 5'11" 195.

Fixed.Just watch the games. Tate is visibly shorter than most of the CBs covering him and CBs don't tend to be very tall.

Jennings and Tate have virtually nothing in common as football players.

This is why I asked the question.However, I'd like to know what you're basing that comparison on. We know now that Jennings can flat out play. But again, I don't remember him being all that hyped heading into the NFL. Yes, some thought he could be a sleeper. But others knocked his speed and size. And some questioned the pick by Green Bay while others praised it. I don't really remember Jennings being touted as a vertical threat coming into the league. In fact his route running and YAC was the key selling point.

Again, I know little about Tate having not watched him much, just trying to understand the large gap between these two players you're seeing.

SI's take on Jennings: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...yers/18332.html

POSITIVES: Sure-handed, quick receiver with outstanding work ethic. Fast off the line, sharp running routes and gets separation from opponents. Consistently makes himself an available target and extends to grab the ball away from his frame. Quickly transitions up the field after the catch and is elusive handling the ball. Comes across the middle of the field making the reception in stride. Displays soft hands and uses his frame to shield away opponents.

NEGATIVES: Needs to improve his blocking. Not a true downfield threat. Has a thin build and does not present himself as a sturdy receiver.

ANALYSIS: Ultra-productive the past three seasons, Jennings is a solid wideout who's continually improved his game. Offers potential as a No. 3 receiver at the next level.

Reading that scouting report on Jennings coming out of college, it doesn't match up with Golden Tate at all. Tate is not sure-handed, Tate does not run sharp routes. Tate does not extend to grab the ball away from his frame, Tate does not display soft hands. The only similarities they have is their size and that they are both good after the catch. Tate also is pretty stocky, despite him not weighing too much, the weight he does have is in the right place.

 

[coolnerd]

Under the FWIW, I was reading ESPN insider draft coverage on Tate, and almost word for word player for player the same debate was going on. Some one thought he was a smaller Hines Ward type another basically called him Josh reed.

 

[Trent]

He made some money today. 4.36 and 4.37 in his two 40 yd dashes. Times unofficial.

 

[belljr]

Golden Tate, imo, will be a decent NFL WR. He will not be an elite WR. For what he "lacks" he makes up for with grit, toughness and determination. He is going to be a valuable asset to a team somewhere but will go too early.

 

[fruity pebbles]

He looked terrible trying to catch the ball going through the gauntlet.

 

[HellToupee]

He made some money today. 4.36 and 4.37 in his two 40 yd dashes. Times unofficial.

4.42 official

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

He looked terrible trying to catch the ball going through the gauntlet.

This doesn't matter to the Raiders....lol.

 

[jurb26]

Tate's results so far:

Height: 5'10 1/2

Weight: 199

Arms: 30 1/2

Hands: 9 1/4

40: 4.42

Bench: 17

Broad: 10'0"

Pretty nice. He should have helped his stock.

 

[Sinrman]

Going out on a limb here... I would rather have Tate than Bryant.

 

[treat88]

Going out on a limb here... I would rather have Tate than Bryant.

That's a long thin limb.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

He looked terrible trying to catch the ball going through the gauntlet.

Which you would think for a WR should matter a lot more than a 40 time....

 

[Mr. Peterson]

SI.com's scouting reports tend to be kind of crappy. They always throw out that line "could be a 4th WR at the next level" or "projects as a 3rd WR in the NFL" even if the prospect in question is a 2nd-3rd round pick with obvious starter upside.

Sure, Jennings wasn't expected to be as good as he is, but that does't somehow make him a clone of Tate. For every Jennings there are a couple guys like Sinorice Moss, Mark Clayton, and Josh Reed. Who's to say Tate won't end up like them?

I'm standing by my evaluation of Tate until it's proven wrong. He's a good football player, but he lacks the size to overpower DBs and the speed to run by them. Without either of those traits, he'll struggle to consistently separate in the NFL.

Are you ready to accept that you were wrong yet? I think you can finally drop that comparison of Reed now...

 

[EBF]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

 

[MAC_32]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

This is about where I'm settling in regarding Tate, his bouts with inconsistency will ultimately prevent me from drafting him but my hope is that he leapfrogs Thomas on most other boards so I'm never tempted with picking him in the first place. His eye test still doesn't sit right with me.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

He still looked terrible catching the ball today. Fought almost every pass from what i saw and his gauntlet was downright pathetic. Was a knock on him coning in that he drops a number of easy passes.

 

[jdswan922]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

He still looked terrible catching the ball today. Fought almost every pass from what i saw and his gauntlet was downright pathetic. Was a knock on him coning in that he drops a number of easy passes.

He is still new to the position. He never played WR until he arrived at ND 3 years ago. It is something to monitor of course, but I am willing to give him some time to learn the position. He made huge strides in the last two seasons at the WR position.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

He still looked terrible catching the ball today. Fought almost every pass from what i saw and his gauntlet was downright pathetic. Was a knock on him coning in that he drops a number of easy passes.

He is still new to the position. He never played WR until he arrived at ND 3 years ago. It is something to monitor of course, but I am willing to give him some time to learn the position. He made huge strides in the last two seasons at the WR position.

imo you either have natural hands or you don't. he doesn't imo. i'm sure he can get better but he strikes me as someone who will always have problems catching the ball cleanly away from his body.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

He still looked terrible catching the ball today. Fought almost every pass from what i saw and his gauntlet was downright pathetic. Was a knock on him coning in that he drops a number of easy passes.

He is still new to the position. He never played WR until he arrived at ND 3 years ago. It is something to monitor of course, but I am willing to give him some time to learn the position. He made huge strides in the last two seasons at the WR position.

imo you either have natural hands or you don't. he doesn't imo. i'm sure he can get better but he strikes me as someone who will always have problems catching the ball cleanly away from his body.

You'd have a pretty hard time putting up the #s Tate did without being able to catch the ball.This is a great example of why the combine and the 40 time DOES matter. Tate at 4.42 is a legit Holmes/Evans type threat. At 4.55 he's not. Likewise for Charles Scott running a 4.67 vs 4.57.

 

[coolnerd]

I had been operating under the assumption that he would run in the 4.5 range. 4.42 is a good time. To me it means he has a realistic chance of becoming a successful starter in the NFL. He's not on the same plane as Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas as a prospect, but in a thin draft class that lacks high end talent at the position, he could be a candidate for the WR3 spot.

He still looked terrible catching the ball today. Fought almost every pass from what i saw and his gauntlet was downright pathetic. Was a knock on him coning in that he drops a number of easy passes.

He is still new to the position. He never played WR until he arrived at ND 3 years ago. It is something to monitor of course, but I am willing to give him some time to learn the position. He made huge strides in the last two seasons at the WR position.

imo you either have natural hands or you don't. he doesn't imo. i'm sure he can get better but he strikes me as someone who will always have problems catching the ball cleanly away from his body.

This is why you are seeing him compared to Hines Ward, a competitive, run after the catch tough football player who body catches a lot.