Well, Golden Tate was right. He ran a 4.42 forty, besting expectations and helping his chances to be the second receiver taken in the NFL Draft.
Tate struggled during one drill (the gauntlet), but finished out his session well. I watched the receiver group with NFLDraftScout’s Rob Rang, among others. Tate was one of the wideout Rang felt helped their draft stock Sunday. Some other rising receivers:
1. Mike Williams, Syracuse: “He needed to have a big week, and he did,” Rang said. Williams’ off-field concerns are serious, but he’s a physical beast and made a lot of tough grabs.
2. Carlton Mitchell, South Florida: The 6'2, 215-pound receiver has speed that translates on the field. He ran a 4.49 and looked fluid for his size.
3. Damian Williams, USC: Rang said he was not surprised by Williams’ excellent day. He ran in the low 4.5s and showed quick feet on a day where we saw a lot of weak routes. He could sneak into the first round.
4. Taylor Price, Ohio: Cornerback Kyle Wilson said Price was the best receiver he saw at the Senior Bowl. The small school player caught every single pass thrown to him Sunday. He ran a 4.41.