Auden Tate shining in Cincinnati Bengals’ minicamp
By Kelvin Hunt
Auden Tate is using his physical frame and strong hands to make his presence known in Cincinnati’s minicamp.
Related Story: Auden Tate Signs 4-Year Deal With Bengals
Auden Tate decided to forgo his final season in the garnet and gold to enter the NFL Draft, and it looks like the former FSU wideout has made the right decision.
It’s a decision I supported since the day he declared for the NFL Draft. Recent reports have Tate delivering on what we thought he would be in the NFL:
- A huge redzone target
- Wide receiver that could beat smaller defensive backs in 1 on 1 situations
The Cincinnati Enquirer details Tate’s ability from practice this week:
"Auden Tate again proved how he can be a physical presence in the red zone, beating William Jackson III’s great coverage in the corner with strong hands. Jackson III nearly broke the ball up, but Tate secured the ball and got both feet in. It was an exclamation point on a strong minicamp for the seventh-round pick."
They were not the only ones who Auden Tate impressed as Jay Morrison explained what he saw on Twitter as well:
Rookie 7th round pick Auden Tate is noticeably slower than the other WRs but he has made two unreal, leaping, body-control catches for touchdowns in 1-on1 and 7-on-7 drills. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) June 13, 2018
Auden Tate does it again, out fights Will Jackson and hauls in tipped pass to get both feet down in the corner of end zone. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) June 14, 2018
Thoughts
They say you can’t teach speed and that’s true, but you can’t teach 6’5″ with ridiculous body control and vise grips for hands either.
I’d like Tate to a power hitter in baseball. My grandfather always told me if you could hit good enough, they’d find somewhere for you in the lineup even if you suck on defense.
The same holds true for receivers that can make a difference where it counts in the redzone and Tate fits that bill perfectly.
He’s similar to former FSU wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin who was a first round selection of the Carolina Panthers. However, for what Tate lacks in speed he makes up for in toughness, work ethic and attitude.
Benjamin has suffered injuries and a case of the drops at times in his NFL career and still been quite productive. The Bengals have a QB in Andy Dalton who’s coming off a down season, but historically has been better than he was last year.
Next: 3 Reasons Auden Tate Made Right Decision To Enter NFL Draft
He’s ranked No. 21 out of 32 quarterbacks in the NFL, but is an experience signal caller who could help Tate be productive in the right situations.
Tate has to bring that same energy to actual games, but it’s possible the Bengals got a steal with their seventh round draft pick.