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Auden Tate was the Bengals’ seventh-round pick in 2018.
The team immediately loved his length and ability to make unthinkable catches. With a plethora of injuries, Tate finally got a chance to make a name for himself in 2019. With a 50% catch rate, Tate totaled 40 receptions on 80 targets.
He showed enough to easily continue his career, and this offseason, he looked to take the next step as a receiver. In doing so, Tate worked out with former three-time Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin according to ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Bengals WR Auden Tate said he worked out with former NFL vet Anquan Boldin this offseason, picking his brain and working on things like refining the top of routes.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 27, 2020
Tate has been a breakout star in camp as well, and it’s difficult to make a case his work with Boldin hasn’t impacted his performances.
His big-play ability has been on full display and was already obvious from 2019, a season which he moved the chains on 29 of those 40 receptions.
Boldin, who made his career with the Cardinals, Ravens and 49ers, playing three seasons with each franchise, played an insane 14 years in the NFL. He was 36 when he retired.
Boldin had a career Tate will aspire to have as he finished his illustrious career ranked in the top 25 for games played among receivers. That’s impressive, and he clearly has enough experience to aid Tate’s development.
As for Tate, he should be a lock to make the final 53-man roster, but the Bengals receiving corps will be among the best units on the team so the competition will be fierce.
A.J. Green, John Ross, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins all feel like locks with Damion Willis, Mike Thomas, Alex Erickson and Tate also vying for a shot. It’d be shocking to see the team keep more than six receivers on the roster.