Who Will Enter the AFC South With a Bang?

Following the 2010 NFL draft, all four AFC South teams hope to have improved themselves enough to make a run towards the Super Bowl. Although the Jaguars, Texans, Titans, and Colts were all able to add a number of players through the draft, we will take a look at which of the rookies will have the biggest impact in their first year in the South. Even with four first round selections, I believe the rookie who will have the biggest impact will be Houston Texans second round pick, Ben Tate. Jerry Hughes, Derrick Morgan, and Kareem Jackson will certainly receive playing time, and two of the three will more than likely start from day one. However, Tate is a pro-ready running back, who will be plugged into one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. 

After his rookie season in the NFL, the Texans believed that Steve Slaton would establish himself as the franchise running back for years to come. However, lack of production coupled with a slew of injuries doomed Slaton to complimentary role. The Texans would love for Tate to command the starting job from day one, but he will have competition from Slaton. Ideally the Texans could use Tate as the heavy lifter and install him as the main running back, and compliment Tate’s aggressive running style with Slaton’s shiftiness and pass catching ability. While at Auburn, Tate displayed his bullish running style in the SEC, and established himself as a tough, hungry, and aggressive running back. Tate opened even more eyes at the combine when he was able to run a 4.34 forty time. A back with his size that can move at 4.3 speed is certainly something to watch out for. 

Although Tate did not grab the headlines coming out of college, he was able to put together a solid 1,300 yard senior season rushing the ball. Tate showed the production in college and he was able to build on that production by putting up impressive numbers at the combine. Unlike C.J. Spiller or Jahvid Best, Tate does not offer breakaway speed, but that is what the Texans have Slaton for. With Houston, Tate should demand a solid share of the carries, and pending his ability to adjust to the pro game, he should turn those carries into solid production. Watch for Tate to add another dimension to this already dangerous Texans offense, a dimension that they have been lacking for a number of years.