Every NFL team’s most underrated offensive weapon entering 2020

Cincinnati Bengals: Auden Tate

The Cincinnati Bengals were mostly a dumpster fire last season. Finishing the season with only two wins, the Bengals limped to the finish line as both their offensive and defensive units ranked in the bottom 10 of the league. Despite Andy Dalton being benched and A.J. Green missing the entire year, there was an underrated bright spot to their season.

Auden Tate, the Bengals’ 2018 7th round pick, took over A.J. Green’s role as the outside receiving threat and large downfield target in the offense. At 6-5 and 227 pounds, the second-year player succeeded in making contested catches with his large frame. He had a contested-catch rate of 39.3 percent, which ranked 20th among NFL wide receivers.

His 40 catches for 575 yards and one touchdown was a genuine surprise for Cincinnati fans, as only Tyler Boyd was left standing in the starting lineup after Green and John Ross went down. Tate filled in admirably and showed he could have a solid role next season as an outside receiver.

With Joe Burrow potentially coming in to revitalize this offense, Tate may be an underrated weapon as Green draws double teams and Boyd takes the slot role. He’ll have competition for playing time, but he should continue to grow and become a solid player in this offense.