Golden Tate joins Clausen in jump to NFL
by Mocking Dan on Dec 7, 2009 2:59 PM EST
in 2010 NFL Draft
17 comments
Two weeks ago, junior wide receiver Golden Tate told reporters his NFL Draft decision would be determinant on who the new Irish coach would be.
Not so. At a news conference today, Tate announced he was forgoing his final year of eligibility at Notre Dame to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. He joins teammate Jimmy Clausen as two of the most noteworthy juniors in the draft thus far, joining Dezmon Briscoe of Kansas, Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma as early entrants.
For the year, Tate finished with an incredible 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 186 yards and two more scores.
But receiving is just a part of Tate's game. He was Notre Dame's top punt returner, taking back 12 kicks for 171 yards and a score. He also contributed by returning kickoffs. Every time Tate touches the ball he's a threat to score.
Tate really made his name this season when sophomore receiver Michael Floyd was knocked out of five games with an injury. That made Tate Clausen's No. 1 target, a role where he excelled.
Game after game, Tate made several spectacular catches. Where Tate is the most dangerous, however, is after the catch. With legs like a running back, Tate breaks his share of tackles and can make just about any defender miss in the open field.
Tate saved arguably his best game for the last of the year at Stanford. Against the Cardinal, he brought in 10 receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns.
But Tate was considered a possible top 25 pick prior tot that game. In 12 games in 2009, he went over 100 yards receiving in nine of them.
"With the year I had this year, it was kind of hard to stay," Tate told reporters at a news conference today. "To be honest, I don't think I can do much better next year or any year in college. The time was right."
While Tate is somewhat undersized – he's listed at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds – he has a strong build. But consider the size of the following players:
Wes Welker: 5-foot-9, 185 pounds
DeSean Jackson: 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
Steve Smith: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds
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Undersized...
is overrated.
Being tall, doesn’t really mean all that much unless you can use it consistently to your advantage.
Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith (both of em), Welker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, etc…say height doesn’t matter.
A big WR might be able to go up and get it, but a ‘shorter’ WR like Tate can cut quicker and get open quicker.
Tate is a football player, who if he stays healthy and has a QB with a clue, should have no problem having success.
"It ain't over till its over"---
A lot of smaller WRs can jump really high to, including Tate.
by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 7, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
exactly.
I doubt anyone’s gonna doubt Tate’s ability. Not only is he just a flat out football player…he’s also a hell of an athlete.
I’m thinking every team that passes on him for a different WR, is gonna regret it, big time.
"It ain't over till its over"---
yup.
Its not a knock on Dez Bryant either…..
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 7, 2009 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
You forgot to mention Percy Harvin
Dude is tough as nails and he isnt taht tall.
Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23
T.Lex doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt. Can't just suppress sixty five million years of gut instinct.
no doubt.
Tate is a little more built than Harvin too, given he started out as a RB.
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 7, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
I just went down the yards receiving leaders and picked the first three small guys.
Mocking the Draft: Your NFL Draft source.
Overrated? Have you watched a single ND game this season?
He’s a Steve Smith clone. If he’s available to the Dolphins in round 2, I’d take him in a heartbeat!
by JP 23 on Dec 8, 2009 8:47 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He could be Ginn with a set of balls
Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23
T.Lex doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt. Can't just suppress sixty five million years of gut instinct.
Tate is not THAT fast.....
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 8, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
either did Ginn in college.
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 9, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Disappointing, but not surprising.
Thanks for 3 good years, Golden
by TheRealSlimShady on Dec 7, 2009 5:34 PM EST reply actions
Being a big guy does help though
Fade routes, jump balls, height gives you a significant advantage. You need a quick guy and a possession wideout both to take full advantage of a defense.
no doubt...
both helps.
It just foolish to knock a WR like Tate cuz he’s under 6 ft.
People killed the Giants all offseason for not getting one, yet Steve Smith is 2nd in the NFC in catches and yards…something Plaxico or Toomer never sniffed.
"It ain't over till its over"---
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