Ben Tate: Houston Texans pick in second round of NFL draft | al.com

Houston Texans pick Auburn's Ben Tate in second round of NFL draft | al.com

Ben Tate is taking his legs and confidence to the NFL.

The Houston Texans drafted the Auburn tailback in the second round Friday night with the 58th overall pick. Tate led Auburn in rushing in each of the last three seasons.

The selection was something of a surprise to Tate.

"The only time I had talked to the Texans was when I was at the Combine," Tate said. "I thought it would be more of a longshot for them."

But Tate, who had some of the best times at the NFL Combine among the running backs, was remembered.

He ran for 1,362 yards last season, the fourth best season in Auburn history, and finished his career with 3,321 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Tate is the fifth leading rusher in Auburn history.

Tate improved his stock at the NFL Combine, prompting NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt to say Tate was "the fastest riser on the board, I believe. A lot of people have been working him out and come away feeling he's better than they thought."

Tate was the first back to lead Auburn in rushing three straight years since Tommy Lorino did it from 1956-58.

Auburn has sent plenty of running backs to the NFL, most recently Carnell Williams, Ronnie Brown and Kenny Irons.