Auden Tate NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

POSITIVES

—Big, physical receiver who uses size to out-rebound defenders down the field.

—Touchdown machine with high-point ability. 

—Above-average body control down the field for a player his size (6'5", 228 lbs).

—Awareness to identify zones and sit for easy completions.

NEGATIVES

—Speed is a major concern when his size won't be enough to compensate in the NFL.

—Slow feet in and out of breaks that telegraph routes at all levels.

—No wiggle to his game and won't be a viable YAC producer in NFL.

—Separated shoulder in 2017.

—Separation skills are a concern and will be exploited by press corners.

OVERALL

Auden Tate has top-flight physicality that makes him a legitimate NFL red-zone scoring threat. His ability to box out smaller defenders and high-point throws is extremely difficult to defend. His slow feet and lack of separation skills make him a red-zone threat who will struggle to be effective between the 20s. Tate will get plenty of looks in the NFL as a matchup threat to score when it matters most.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Mychal Rivera, free agent