North Carolina receiver Brandon Tate's draft stock wasn't all that negatively impacted by reports he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine.
The New England Patriots selected Tate on Sunday with the 83rd pick. He was the 11th receiver taken.
Scouts Inc. rated Tate the 84th-best player in the draft and the 11th-best receiver.
Those evaluations took into account Tate is coming off a right knee injury suffered last season on a punt return against Notre Dame. He had his ACL and MCL rebuilt.
On a conference call with Patriots reporters Sunday, Tate didn't specifically acknowledge his failed drug test but said he "made a mistake, and now that's behind me." He admitted he was fearful the reports would impact his draft forecast.
"I knew it probably would, but I was still waiting on that call because I knew somebody would give me a chance," Tate said. "I thank the Patriots for that, so I'm going to come in and I'm willing to work for them."
Florida receiver Percy Harvin also reportedly tested positive for marijuana. The Minnesota Vikings drafted Harvin 22nd overall.
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Tim Graham
Graham joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Miami Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post. He previously spent eight years at the Buffalo News, where he was an award-winning NHL and boxing writer. The Baldwin-Wallace College grad also has worked for the Las Vegas Sun and Boston Herald.