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Photo of Brandon Tate
Grade
?
  • 6'0" Height
  • 183LBS. Weight

Overview

After operating primarily as a return specialist (albeit a very good one) in his first three years at Chapel Hill, Tate really climbed boards as a receiver at the start of the 2008 season with 16 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns in his first six games. His exploits as a receiver coincided with his continued proficiency as a return specialist, setting the career record for total return yardage (3,523 yards).

Unfortunately, he tore his right ACL and MCL in October, cutting his magical senior year short. He still earned honorable mention All-ACC as a returner despite missing more than half the season. If his knee is healthy come draft day, Tate could be one of three Tar Heel receivers earning draft selections in 2009 along with Hakeem Nicks and Brooks Foster. Had an arm span of 30 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Long, lean build. Good quickness, size and hand strength to get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Emerging route-runner with the quick feet and balance to ultimately be quite good in this area. More quick than fast, though he has good acceleration. Elusive in the open field and has the vision to set up his blocks and break into the open field. Soft hands. Good body control and flexibility to contort his body for the poorly thrown pass. Can extend to make the diving grab. Good height and long arms and uses the combination well to high-point passes over smaller cornerbacks. Excellent returner with NFL ability for punt and kickoff returns. Negatives: Torn ACL and MCL in October means he may not be able to answer questions about his straight-line speed until after the draft. Primarily a return specialist until flashing as a receiver as a senior. A bit raw as a route-runner. Relies on his athletic ability in this area, rather than precise footwork. Lets too many passes get into his pads.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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