Ben Tate: USA Today Ranks As 7th Best Draft RB

Head of the running back class in 2010 NFL draft field - USATODAY.com

Auburn, 5-11, 220, 2-3: Tate is a physical runner who many thought flashed surprising bursts of speed during his college career. The real surprise was that he does have excellent speed, as he showed at the combine when he shocked scouts with a 40 time of 4.34 seconds despite his 220-pound frame. He has been compared to Marion Barber III of the Dallas Cowboys in terms of being a tough, inside runner. Some scouts think Tate might have the combination of toughness and speed that will make him productive in the NFL, which shouldn't be that surprising when his college career is put into perspective. Although many think Tate was inconsistent at Auburn, his career total of 3,321 yards rushing was fifth in school history, behind the likes of Bo Jackson, Carnell Williams, James Brooks and Joe Cribbs.