Ben Tate Scouting Report

Tate has been an important part of the Auburn offense for four straight years now. Although he did not start any games as a freshman in 2006, the running back rushed 54 times for 392 yards and two scores. Starting six games in 2007, Tate carried 202 times for 903 yards and eight scores, while catching 16 passes for 144 more yards. He digressed as a junior (mainly because the Tigers utilized a spread offense--to no avail--during the first half of the season). Now that Auburn is back in a more pro-style offense, Tate has taken off in 2009. Through 11 games of his senior campaign, Tate had 225 carries for 1209 yards and eight touchdowns. Remaining a solid pass-catcher, he also had 16 receptions for 88 yards. While the numbers make a case for themselves in terms of Tate being one of the best--or THE best--running back in the SEC, Tate felt compelled to go out and say that he was better than Alabama RB and Heisman hopeful Mark Ingram. While Tate's status among SEC running backs is up for debate, there is no question about his talent and physical tools. He stands at just 5'11', but he weighs in at 218 pounds. A downhill runner, Tate is a load to bring down (especially when he gets a full head of steam behind him). He has been clocked as low as 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, but his average time is right around 4.50. It's no real surprise that Tate floundered in the spread offense. He rarely beats defenses going outside; he much prefers going straight up the gut and running over people, rather than around people. While durability and experience are major pluses, consistency appears to be an issue. Tate racks up his stats in bunches, but too often is a non-factor throughout entire games. For now, it looks like Tate will go off the board during the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.