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Clyde Gates (Abilene Christian) - 2011 NFL Draft Pick #111 by MIA

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Clyde Gates (2011 NFL Draft)

College: Abilene Christian

Overview:

Clyde Gates was considered one of the fastest wide receiver prospects entering the 2011 NFL Draft. His speed and athleticism made him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth and explosiveness to their receiving corps.

Strengths:

• Speed: Gates was known for his exceptional straight-line speed, often clocking in the low 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash. This made him a deep threat on the field.
• Vertical Threat: His ability to stretch the field vertically allowed him to take the top off defenses, creating opportunities for big plays.
• Agility: Gates showcased impressive agility, enabling him to make quick cuts and create separation from defenders.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his dedication to improving his craft and his willingness to put in the work during practice.

Weaknesses:

• Route Running: Gates needed to refine his route-running skills to become a more complete receiver, as he relied heavily on his speed.
• Experience Level: Coming from a smaller program like Abilene Christian, he faced questions about the level of competition he faced and how it would translate to the NFL.
• Strength: While he had speed, there were concerns about his ability to fight through press coverage and hold up against more physical defenders.

Draft Projection:

Gates was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft due to his combination of speed and potential upside. Teams in need of a receiver with deep-threat capabilities were particularly interested in his skill set.

Conclusion:

Clyde Gates was viewed as a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His elite speed created excitement, but questions about his refinement as a receiver left some teams cautious. Depending on how he developed in the NFL, he had the potential to become a valuable asset in a team's offense.