Wide receiver is the deepest position on the Cincinnati Bengals roster. The starting slots are filled with A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. John Ross is attempting to lock down the number three slot. The rest of the depth chart can be considered up for grabs. Will second year receiver Auden Tate’s impact be felt in 2019?
The 2018 7th round pick of last year’s draft has the physical tools to be a contributor in this league. The former Florida State Seminole made an impact during minicamp last season, but it did not transfer to training camp. In a repeat mini camp performance this year, Tate made big-time plays, especially in the red zone. The question is, will his spring success translate to training camp?
Tate stands at 6’5 228 pounds. He is rarely the fastest receiver on the field, but his size can’t be taught. He is a contested catch above the rim specialist. Tate is the tallest receiver on the roster followed by A.J. Green. Thus, he has a rather large catch radius, which is viewed highly among quarterbacks.
While he didn’t see the field much in 2018, a strong training camp and preseason could change that heading into 2019. Pairing him on the outside opposite of Green would provide Andy Dalton with a pair of physically imposing targets. Tate has strong body control and hand-eye coordination. In the red zone, an arsenal of a healthy Tyler Eifert, Tate, Boyd, and Green could be a headache for defensive coordinators. Add Joe Mixon in the backfield, defenses would not be able to key on one particular player.
The 2019 NFL season is almost here and training camp is the beginning. The pecking order and roster details will come to form and the wrinkles will begin ironing out. This year’s training camp is more pivotal to some than others, but Tate could benefit greatly from a strong showing. If he continues to learn the offense at a quick pace and make the highlight plays with pads on, he will carve out a role going forward. Time to gear up, football is in the air.