RELEASE/ROUTE RUNNING
Tate possesses plus-level route-running skills, particularly on deep patterns. While he flashed effective releases against press coverage and smooth breaks in the short-to-intermediate range, his usage in those areas was limited. He occasionally struggled against physical cornerbacks in press alignment. However, his elite ability to manipulate defenders downfield by leveraging high-end athleticism making him a dominant winner on deep balls.
PHYSICALITY
For his frame, Tate’s physicality is average. As noted, he can be disrupted by physical press corners and occasionally struggles to fight through contact at the line. Adding functional strength at the next level would help him better handle jam techniques and contested situations.
YARDS AFTER CATCH
Tate showed limited YAC ability in the games reviewed. He lacks the open-field elusiveness to consistently make the first defender miss or generate significant yardage after contact. His production is far more likely to come from winning overhead than from running through or around tacklers.
ATHLETICISM
Tate brings impressive speed and acceleration for his size. When defenders play off coverage, he rapidly eats up cushion and separates vertically. His high-end athletic traits cement his profile as a premier deep-ball threat.
FANTASY OUTLOOK
He profiles as a first-round NFL talent with the potential to be a high-impact fantasy producer. His elite deep route running and exceptional ball skills should make him a matchup nightmare and a weekly difference-maker at the next level.
BALL SKILLS
Tate may have the best ball skills I’ve evaluated. In the games scouted, he did not drop a single catchable pass. He combines strong hands with elite body control and an expansive catch radius, turning contested 50/50 opportunities into 75/25 advantages in his favor.
IDEAL TEAM FITS
Tate's skillset lines up with a team needing a deep threat and would best benefit being paired with a QB that can push the ball downfield.
SCOUTPOTATO
Scouting Academy (Coming Soon)