John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans have agreed to terms with rookie tailback Ben Tate. The deal is believed to be for four years. Tate was the 58th overall pick in April’s draft.
A power back from Auburn, Tate posted highly impressive numbers at February’s Combine. In addition to bench pressing 225 pounds 26 times, Tate posted the third-fastest forty time among tailbacks at 4.43. Tate was a rock-solid college runner and has been praised for his ability to pick up the blitz, but anyone who watched him at Auburn should know that long speed isn’t his calling card.
We’d strongly recommend any future incoming rookies attend the same pre-draft performance institution Tate did.
In Houston, Tate enters training camp third on the depth chart behind 2009 late-season star Arian Foster and former starter Steve Slaton. Though Foster is no slouch, Tate is the prohibitive favorite to lead Texans backs in carries this year.
