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John Tate () - 1974 NFL Draft Pick #318 by NYJ

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Pre-Draft Analysis for John Tate - 1974 NFL Draft

John Tate, an offensive tackle from the University of Tennessee, was a highly regarded prospect heading into the 1974 NFL Draft. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential:

Strengths:

• Size and Physicality: Tate stood at 6'6" and weighed around 280 pounds, making him an imposing figure on the offensive line.
• Agility: Despite his size, he exhibited impressive footwork and agility, allowing him to move effectively in both pass protection and run blocking.
• Football IQ: His understanding of defensive schemes and ability to read opponents made him a valuable asset on the line.
• Durability: Tate had a strong track record of staying healthy throughout his college career, which boded well for his professional prospects.

Weaknesses:

• Technique: While his physical attributes were exceptional, some scouts noted that his blocking technique needed refinement to compete at the NFL level.
• Experience: Having played primarily in a college system that emphasized run blocking, there were concerns about his ability to adapt to a more pass-heavy NFL offense.

Overall Potential:

John Tate was projected to be a first-round pick due to his combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence. Many analysts believed that with the right coaching and development, he could become a cornerstone player on any NFL offensive line.

As teams prepared for the draft, Tate's name was consistently mentioned among the top offensive linemen available, and he was expected to make an immediate impact in the league.