Tate is expected to play a big role in the Lions' offense in 2016, but he doesn't appear to be the team's clear-cut No. 1 wideout thus far in training camp, MLive.com reports.
Analysis:
Tate has amassed 189 receptions across the past two seasons, and appeared destined for a massive 2016 campaign in a No. 1 wideout role once Calvin Johnson announced his retirement. However, that doesn't appear to be the case thus far into the preseason. First, Detroit appears to be attempting to replace Johnson with a combination of Marvin Jones (who was signed to a larger contract than Tate), the newly-acquired Anquan Boldin, and an improved Eric Ebron (ankle). Here, Jones projects to assume the deep-threat role while Tate and Boldin serve as possession receivers with Ebron primarily used as a mismatch-creator in the middle of the field. What's more, OC Jim Bob Cooter seemed to prefer Tate almost exclusively in an underneath role in 2015; once Cooter assumed control of the Lions' offense in Week 8, Tate averaged less than 9.0 YPC in five of nine games to end the season. No, Tate isn't typically known as a deep threat anyway, but he did flash dangerous downfield potential after posting a 15.3 YPC in 2012 with Seattle. However, that average has declined each season since, and Tate is now coming off a career-low 9.0 YPC. Ultimately, Tate figures to retain a significant role in the Lions' offensive attack and could easily record another 90-catch campaign, but he doesn't automatically become a lock for a massive season just because Calvin Johnson is no longer on the team.
