Kenny Tate, SS/OLB, Maryland
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 220
Grade: 6.9 ISP (Grading Scale)
Scouting Report
Athleticism
+Elite size and bulk for the safety position
+Remains fluid and flexible despite his height
+Fantastic leaping ability, explosive athlete
-Good speed for an outside linebacker, but only average for a safety
-Might be too small to be effective as an outside linebacker in the NFL
Intelligence
+Shows off a good grasp of scheme and coverage design
+Seemingly immune to play action
-Will jump some routes on instinct and get caught out of position at times
Leadership
+Team Captain
+Was willing to accept position change from starting safety to “Star” (SS/LB hybrid)
Man Coverage
+Has shown ability to stick with most college TE’s and RB’s
-Will struggle if asked to cover NFL receivers
-Looks a bit stiff in the hips when asked to play man
-Needs to work on his press technique when at the line
Zone Coverage
+Shows plus instincts in zone coverage
+Attacks the ball and is able to disrupt a lot of catches
+Able to read the quarterback and drive on the ball
+Will jump some routes and has good enough ball skills to make the pick
-Might not have the speed to cover half the field in the NFL
Run Defense
+Excellent tackler, both in space and near the line
+Consistently wraps up and rarely looks out of control
+Tears through blockers, attacks the ball-carrier
+Doesn’t shy away from blockers, very physical
+Active in pursuit, takes good angles and doesn’t quit on plays
Overview
Kenny Tate is a productive and versatile (FS, SS, OLB, Pass Rusher, Special Teams) defender that will need to show in 2012 that he has fully recovered from his somewhat mysterious injury that sidelined him for most of the 2011 season. Tate’s football IQ, instincts and tenacity should help him overcome his high 4.5 speed in the NFL. He rarely takes false steps and seems to break very early on the ball.
Last Updated: June 6, 2012
Tags: 2013 NFL Draft, Kenny Tate, Scouting Reports
