Fantasy Football 2011: Can Golden Tate Make Headlines for His Play?

Golden Tate was in the news recently. Thankfully, it wasn’t for getting arrested or anything like that. It wasn’t anything overly offensive either.

He tweeted about Jimmie Johnson’s ESPY nominee for Male Athlete of the Year saying, “Jimmy johnson up for best athlete???? Um nooo .. Driving a car does not show athleticism.”

He went on to say a few more things, but backed off when NASCAR fines fired back.

In the grand scheme of things, and in the wake of James Harrison’s comments, this was nothing. It’s just kind of funny because Tate is coming off a disappointing rookie season that saw him catch a mere 21 passes for 227 yards in 11 games.

I know that production does not always equal your athleticism, but I would think a player who did so little would keep his mouth shut. Then again, nobody is talking about him because of his lack of production so it’s a good way to make sure you’re not forgotten.

When your high water mark for yardage comes in Week 2, and it’s only 52 yards on one catch at that, it’s easy to be forgotten.  When you don’t top 36 yards again and finish with just four games over 30 yards, it’s easy to be forgotten.

When "Big" Mike Williams comes out of nowhere to put up a monster season, it’s easy to be forgotten.

He was just a rookie though. He admitted that he had some issues with his route running. He admitted that he made plenty of rookie mistakes. He is working to improve in the mental aspect of the game.

It would have been nice for Tate to have the OTAs, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be better prepared in season two. Coach Pete Carroll remains a supporter, which is an important thing in Tate’s development.

Tate is going to get every chance to become the Seahawks’ slot receiver. With his speed and athleticism, he can become a nice sleeper option in 2011. If you draft early he could go undrafted. If he blows up in the preseason, he’ll start climbing the draft boards in a hurry.

There are certainly worse options to have as your WR4 or WR5.

What’s your take on Golden Tate?

Also check out:

• 2011 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings