Ben Tate, RB

Despite being Auburn's leading rusher as a sophomore and junior, Tate entered his senior campaign hungry for a chance to showcase his skills. A classic I-formation back, Tate had impressed scouts early with his tough interior running, but was miscast as an east-west runner when Auburn converted to more of a spread offense in 2008.

Though he only started two games as a junior and had mediocre production (664 rushing yards), Tate considered leaving early for the NFL. He was rewarded with a return to more traditional rushing attack in 2009, and his production rose accordingly. Tate rushed for 1,362 yards, the fourth-highest single-season total in school history. He leaves with 3,321 career rushing yards, good for fifth in Auburn's storied past.

Tate shocked scouts with his straight-line speed (4.34 40) and 40.5" vertical at the Combine. Clubs looking for a traditional power back with underrated receiving skills, however, would be wise to consider him good value in the third round ? if he lasts that long.

Inside: At his best as a downhill runner. Thick build with good musculature throughout. Attacks the line of scrimmage and takes what the defense gives him. Lowers his shoulder and will take on the defender in the hole. Good toughness to run through arm tackles and get to and through the second level and into the open field. Keeps his eyes up and has enough lateral agility and acceleration to take advantage of cut-back lanes. Good balance, but is not special in this area. Protects the ball with both hands in traffic, but has had some issues with fumbles over his career. Good short-yardage who runs with competitive fire and seems to have a legitimate nose for the end zone.

Outside: Only adequate speed to beat NFL linebackers to the edge or to pull away in the open field. Flashes a quick lateral burst and shifty shoulders to fake out the defender, but has only moderate overall agility and acceleration to elude.

Breaking tackles: Arguably his best skill. Though a bit upright in the open field, he squares his shoulders and runs with good pad level when in traffic, presenting little other than shoulders and thigh pads for defenders to target. Keeps his legs churning after contact and will spin through tackles to generate extra yardage. Runs with good forward lean, almost always falling forward for extra yardage.

Blocking: Thick built with the strength and effort to remain on the field in pass protection. Became a more reliable pass blocker as a senior, showing improved awareness and consistency in squaring to the defender and providing a consistent pop. Remains too inconsistent as a cut-blocker, lunging and missing too often.

Receiving: Experienced receiver out of the backfield. Often lines up wide in this offense, but is typically used on screens and simple dump-off routes as a senior. Looks natural extending to pluck the ball out of the air.

Intangibles: Tough runner who seems to enjoy the physical aspects of the game. Has enjoyed success in a variety of offenses, leading the team in rushing yards each of the past three seasons. Voted MVP by his teammates after his senior season. Doesn't lack for confidence. Has characterized himself as the best back in the country and as better than Heisman winner Mark Ingram.

Bench pressed 225 pounds 26 times … 4.34 in the 40-yard dash … 1.49 10-yard dash … 2.52 20-yard dash … 4.12 20-yard shuttle … 6.91 three-cone drill … 40 1/2-inch vertical jump … 10'4" broad jump.