Rookie Spin on Ben Tate

In one of our weekly features, we will be joining forces with Fantasy Football Spin to highlight the top rookie from each team in the NFL.

Ben Tate was one of the fastest rising players leading up to the NFL Draft.  He ultimately was drafted 58^th overall (2^nd Round) by the Houston Texans based on an impressive scouting combine performance.  Tate had been considered a fourth-round prospect.

Ben Tate was one of the best big backs in the draft with a balance of speed and power, although, he struggles with patience and recognition. We were not impressed with Tate based on his Senior Bowl performance (3 carries for 17 yards, long of 12 yards, and 1 reception for 4 yards).  He looked average, and his well-documented speed did not show up during the game.

Auburn does have a history of producing solid starting running backs: Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams (2005), Rudi Johnson (2001), and Stephen Davis (1996).  Tate is not the polished prospect that Brown and Williams were in 2005, however, he could resemble Rudi Johnson or Stephen Davis if he learns let the holes open on the offensive line and improve his vision.

Tate is one of the better all-around backs in the draft.  The Texans passed on Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart and selected Tate one pick before Montario Hardesty, so they feel that his skill set matches well with their one-cut running philosophy.  He should see time immediately at the expense of Arian Foster.  If Steve Slaton returns to form neck surgery, the Texans will have a solid running back combination for the future.

Tate’s current ADP is the sixth round, which makes him a risky selection because of the uncertainty of the Texans’ running back rotation.  Tate is a better rookie option than Hardesty or Gerhart, but he still ranks behind Mathews, Best and Spiller in dynasty leagues.