2015 Detroit Lions Roster Analysis: Wide Receivers

Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

No. 15 Golden Tate

Age: 26

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 202

College: Notre Dame

Looking back at 2014 – I will not hesitate to say that Golden Tate was the unsung hero of the Detroit Lions in 2014. When the team needed him most, he was there. In the absence of Calvin Johnson, late in the game or even with the game on the line — Tate always stepped up to the plate.

Tate compiled 1,331 yards receiving on 99 receptions in 2014, both career highs by a mile, and all while on his way to his first Pro Bowl bid. During Johnson’s three game injury hiatus near the mid-point in the season, Tate was called upon often and always came through.

In week seven against the New Orleans Saints, Tate went off for 154 yards through the air on 10 catches and also helped lead the game winning drive that secured the win for the Lions in Detroit. He didn’t stop there either.

The following week, across the pond at Wembley Stadium, Tate provided a spark when it seemed the game had all but got away Tate came up big again.

He would also go over the 100-yard mark in week 10 against the Miami Dolphins.

Tate remained solid throughout the second half of the season, and looks to have a big impact again in 2015 as he has spent a majority of this offseason trying to learn the playbook even better.

Next: An outlook on Tate in 2015