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Patriots hosting WR Tate on visit today

Email|Link|Comments (6) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 8, 2009 02:30 PM

The Patriots are hosting North Carolina wide receiver Brandon Tate on a pre-draft visit at Gillette Stadium today, according to a league source.

The Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide rates Tate (5-11 7/8, 183) as a second- to third-round prospect, and notes that he could be a dangerous weapon for teams in the slot. Tate also showed dynamic flashes as a returner.

The pre-draft visit with the Patriots is likely for a final medical check. As noted by NFLDraftScout.com, Tate tore his right ACL and MCL in October.

The Patriots have Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis atop the depth chart, but they might be projecting a longer-term need at the No. 3 receiver spot.

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6 comments so far...

Brandon Tate and Hakeem Nicks had an unbeatable tandem @ UNC.
Tate was a beast and unfortunately he suffered a terrible injury. This is definitely a medical checkup to see if he has recovered. Exceptional talent, great route-runner, great hands... I doubt the patriots would draft him unless he fell to a late 3rd round selection.

Posted by B R April 8, 09 02:44 PM

Yeah, I don't know. I think after the Chad Jackson experiment, the Pats may be a little gunshy about taking a WR who might have injury issues anywhere above the 3rd, even if he is a special talent (which it doesn't sound like this guy really is...but it sounds like he could be a solid pro). If he goes before the compensatory 3rd, I wouldn't expect them to shed a tear over not getting him.

Posted by Rob in Central MA April 8, 09 03:33 PM

receivers need good un-injured knees far more than QB's - so I'd be leary of this guy without seeing some rigorous action out of him before signing.
Brady is a different story...hopefully he just kinda stands around getting it done from the pocket.

Posted by stop Newport, RI corruption April 8, 09 04:03 PM

He'd be an awesome pick-up in the third round if he lasted that long. Perfect place in the draft for the Pats to be looking for a receiver, too. You figure they'll keep 5-6, and they really only have 4 plus Aiken who's a special teamer. Tate would be an especially good pick since he could be primarily a return man while giving depth and development at the receiver slot, eventually becoming the #2 or #3 guy. I think the 3rd pick in the 2nd round would be a little too high, but this is a guy who'd get on the 45 man roster.

Posted by Mike M April 8, 09 04:23 PM

Just for clarification:

Did both Brandon tate AND Brooks Foster visit?

Posted by Box_O_Rocks April 8, 09 05:16 PM

Hi Box_O_Rocks. Both receivers visited, according to league sources.
--Mike

Posted by Mike Reiss April 8, 09 06:10 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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