New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis are basically unable to go the first few rounds of the NFL draft without drafting an offensive player. One possible player the Saints could look to bring into the offensive fold is Florida State’s WR Auden Tate.

Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

• Age: 21 years old
• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 228 lbs
• Arms: 33 3/4”
• Hands: 9 3/8”
• 40 yard: 4.69 sec
• Vertical: 36”
• Broad: 112”

Analysis:

(per NFL.com)

Tate’s speed and quickness limitations could make finding an NFL role for him challenging if he’s unable to create enough separation for quarterbacks to target him. What he does have going for him is that he can catch through contact and has very good ball skills -- especially near the endzone. Tate’s toughness and willingness to play through a shoulder injury this year will stand out to teams. Tate will be targeted by teams looking for a matchup weapon with value as a zone beater and red zone target.

Highlights:

Bottom line:

(per Pro Football Focus draft guide)

Like other taller receivers, Tate has a strong highlight reel of off-target and contested catches, and that should make him a valuable red-zone threat at the next level. He’s not an explosive or shifty athlete, so he may never become a high-volume option in the passing game, but he’s willing to make plays over the middle in traffic. Tate has the skills to be a complementary possession target capable of winning in the back-shoulder game, over the middle and in the red zone.