News: NFL Network reports the Bengals have re-signed receiver/kick returner Brandon Tate.
Analysis: Tate mainly sees time on special teams for Cincinnati and poses minimal Fantasy value. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters.
News: Bengals wide receiver Brandon Tate hauled in his 10th catch of the season in Week 16 against the Steelers. He took a shovel pass from quarterback Andy Dalton and gained 23 yards. It was his lone target in the 13-10 win.
Analysis: Tate mainly sees time on special teams for Cincinnati and poses minimal Fantasy value with one game left in the regular season. Continue to ignore him in the majority of formats.
News: Bengals receiver Brandon Tate had one catch for 24 yards Sunday at Kansas City. He had two targets. He also had one kickoff return for 26 yards and three punt returns
Analysis: Tate is a low-end Fantasy option in the majority of leagues. Ignore him in most formats in Week 12 against Oakland.
News: Cincinnati wide receiver Brandon Tate barely made an impact against Denver in Week 9. He was targeted six time but could only bring down one pass for a 17-yard gain in a 31-23 defeat.
Analysis: Tate has caught one pass in each of his last three games as Andy Dalton continues to spread the ball around his receivers. He has take a backseat to A.J. Green, Andrew Hawkins and Mohamed Sanu this season and is not considered a worthwhile option heading into Week 10 against the Giants.
News: Bengals wideouts Armon Binns and Brandon Tate could see a boost in targets in the Week 6 game at Cleveland. The Browns are getting back the services of top cornerback Joe Haden for the game and he's expected to blanket A.J. Green in coverage. That means quarterback Andy Dalton may have his other receivers open more often. Plus, Cleveland is allowing the second-most Fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers this season. The Browns have given up 10 touchdowns to the position in five games. Just last week New York's Victor Cruz scored three times against them and Anquan Boldin went for 131 yards for the Ravens against the Browns Week 4.
Analysis: The last time Tate made a catch this season came back in Week 2 at home against the Browns. In fact, Tate came up huge in that game with three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. He has just four catches all season, however, and has only been targeted by Dalton once in three games since. In four career games against the Browns, Tate has four catches for 83 yards and the TD scored Week 2. Tate should only be active in the deepest of Fantasy formats for the Week 6 game.
News: Bengals receiver Brandon Tate caught three passes for 71 yards vs. Cleveland in Week 2 including a 44-yard bomb from Andy Dalton. Tate basically worked as a situational receiver for the Bengals.
Analysis: Tate has potential to be a good role player for Cincinnati but is part of a crowded receiving corps. We wouldn't consider him a reliable Fantasy option at this point.
News: Bengals receiver Brandon Tate was only targeted once with the first-team offense during Friday's preseason opener against the Jets. Tate hauled in one of Andy Dalton's passes for 10 yards during the team's second drive. He caught two passes for 24 yards in a 17-6 victory.
Analysis: Tate took advantage of Mohamed Sanu's absence and got some time with the starters. He has some pretty good speed but has been considered a project at receiver for a while. We actually like Sanu's chances to contribute better than Tate's. We wouldn't draft Tate this summer.
News: Much has been made about Bengals rookie receiver Mohamed Sanu working well in minicamp workouts thus far, but Bengals receiver and kick-return man Brandon Tate is also expected to get a chance to play. Last season, Tate arrived from New England and was only used as a returner. Despite his 24 career receptions, he didn't play a snap on offense. Now, he owns the second-most career receptions on the team and coach Marvin Lewis said Tate is competing to start at No. 2 WR. "I did all [the routes] in practice, but Week 1 with my situation they didn't want to throw me out there," Tate said. "Whatever the coaches need me to do, I'll do. This year they want to get me going out [at wide receiver] and see what happens."
Analysis: Tate has some pretty good speed but has been considered a project at receiver for a while. We actually like Sanu's chances to contribute better than Tate's. We wouldn't draft Tate this summer.
News: Bengals WR Brandon Tate was not a huge contributor on offense in Week 8 against the Seahawks but he was able to make a difference on special teams. He returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter for his first score of the year. He totaled 186 yards on seven returns in the 34-12 win. "For some reason when he kicked it I had the feeling I was going to do something special with it," Tate said. "I didn't know I was going to score, but I put all the trust in my teammates. The other 10 guys did their job, I just went out and did mine."
Analysis: Tate was not even targeted for a pass on Sunday as he continues to work mainly on special teams. That being the case, continue to leave the 24-year-old for formats that reward return yardage.
News: The Bengals report Sunday that the team has claimed WR Brandon Tate off waivers. Tate was released by the Patriots on Saturday during cut down day.
Analysis: Tate will likely be in the mix for the No. 4 WR spot for the Bengals behind A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley. Most likely, Tate will work on special teams as a return man. He has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues.
News: The Patriots have parted ways with WR Brandon Tate, according to multiple reports. The 2009 third-round pick could never stay healthy, and when he did return in the preseason, he was slow and ineffective.
Analysis: Tate totaled 24 catches for 432 yards and three touchdowns last year with New England. He's sure to get a look by other teams in the league and could contribute elsewhere on a low level. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on him for now.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate took advantage of a starting spot in Week 17 as he went for 82 yards and a touchdown on two catches in a rout of Miami.
Analysis: Apart from one monster game, Tate didn't do much in his second NFL season, even after the departure of Randy Moss. This performance shows that he's still got the solid skills he showed in college, but unless the WR situation in New England changes this offseason, Tate might continue to have minimal value heading into 2011.
News: With Patriots WRs Deion Branch and Wes Welker inactive for Week 17, WR Brandon Tate should see plenty of targets on Sunday and gets a very nice last-minute boost in value.
Analysis: Since his 101-yard performance in Week 8, Tate has totaled just seven catches for 111 yards. However, on Sunday, the combo of Tom Brady/Brian Hoyer will have no choice but to throw the ball his way. Tate will be worth a look in deeper formats as a sleeper flex option.
News: The Patriots visit the Bills in Week 16, and WR Brandon Tate will be looking to get back involved in the offense. Since his 101-yard performance in Week 8, Tate has totaled just seven catches for 111 yards. Unfortunately for him, Buffalo has the worst run defense in the league, so Tate might not see many targets.
Analysis: Tate had 43 yards against the Bills earlier this season, but has been pretty much a non-factor for the majority of 2010. The second-year player really shouldn't be used in Fantasy play for Week 16.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate managed to just make the stat sheet in the Week 15 win over the Packers. He caught one pass for 5 yards Sunday night, although he was targeted three times by QB Tom Brady. One of the targets was on a deep pass in which Brady under-threw him, and Tate had to become the defender and knock the pass down to avoid an interception.
Analysis: Tate has been extremely streaky this season, and right now he's on the downside of one. He has caught just four passes in his last five games, though one was for a score. Still, he has been such a Fantasy risk this season on a team with too many weapons. In Week 16, look for more of the same from Tate against the Bills. The two teams met in Week 3 and he put up a solid 43 yards receiving on a couple of catches. We don't see him bettering that effort, so he remains a low-end Fantasy option heading into the matchup.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate has just three catches in his last four games, and in the Week 15 contest, the Packers come to town. Green Bay has not allowed an opposing WR to find the end zone in four straight games while sporting the third-best Fantasy defense against WRs, giving up just over 15 Fantasy points per game to the position. They have allowed less than 10 points to receivers in each of their last three games.
Analysis: Tate has made the occasional big play for the Patriots, but it will be hard for him to do so against a top-five pass defense. His best chance to find some space could be as a hot-read for QB Tom Brady because Green Bay pressures the QB more than most teams. Still, Tate has been somewhat of a feast-or-famine Fantasy option this season and we view him as too big of a risk with most Fantasy leagues in the playoffs. Seek other options at WR for Week 15.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate did not see many passes thrown his way in Week 14 against the Bears, but was able to make some big plays. He was targeted three times by QB Tom Brady and finished with two catches for 40 yards in the 36-7 win. Tate had a long reception of 28 and finished fourth on New England in receiving yards.
Analysis: Tate has seen his production take a dip in recent weeks and has just three catches in the last four games. While he has some big-play ability, New England has been targeting other options lately. Until his role improves in the Patriots passing game, Fantasy owners would be wise to look elsewhere for production. Heading into Week 15 against the Packers, continue to view Tate as a low-end Fantasy WR for deeper leagues.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate enters Week 14 against the Bears having caught just one pass in his last three games. That one grab went for a 4-yard touchdown a week ago. Chicago ranks 13th in the league against the pass, giving up over 215 passing yards per game, and have allowed an average of 17.2 Fantasy points to opposing wideouts. Tate has four catches for 66 yards in his last four games
Analysis: Tate has not been involved in the passing game much over the last few contests but his touchdown last week against the Jets was nice to see. The second-year player out of North Carolina has two touchdown receptions on the year but has been overlooked by QB Tom Brady lately. His has some big play ability but the Bears matchup well with the Patriots and Tate could be in for another slow day. Consider the 23-year-old a low-end Fantasy option for Week 14 against Chicago.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate did something against the Jets in Week 13 that he hadn't done in four games -- find the end zone. The 23-year-old caught a 4-yard touchdown strike from QB Tom Brady in the second quarter and helped lead New England to the 45-3 win. Although Tate's arm came down out of bounds with only one leg landing in the end zone, the Jets didn't challenge. That would be his only catch in the game but Tate also returned two kickoffs for 42 yards and had one carry for 6 yards in the victory.
Analysis: Tate had not been involved in the pass game much over the last few games but he came through for Fantasy owners in Week 13. It would have been nice to see him with a few more grabs but the second-year player out of North Carolina now has two touchdown receptions on the year. Although the score was nice to see, Tate has just four catches for 66 yards in his last four games and should be considered a low-end Fantasy WR for Week 14 against the Bears.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate, who hasn't recorded a reception in two straight games, will be looking to get back on track in Week 13 against the Jets. New York enters Monday's matchup ranked 12th in pass defense, allowing 210.6 passing yards per game. The Jets have surrendered 15 touchdowns through the air and have allowed an average of 20.6 Fantasy points on the season.
Analysis: Tate is looking to gain some of Tom Brady's trust back this season after dropping a few passes. "He ain't going to just keep coming to you. In a game you might drop a ball, but if he knows you he will say 'this guy will bounce back and catch the ball,'" Tate said. That could help explain why Tate hasn't caught a pass in two weeks. Clearly, he is not a big part of the Patriots plans on offense right now. We do not recommend starting him in Week 13.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate made the most of his only touch in Week 12, a 17-yard rush. Tate was targeted on a deep ball against the Lions in the first half but dropped it.
Analysis: Tate is clearly not a big part of the Patriots offense, and the one time he did have a long touchdown it came on a broken play. He shouldn't even be owned in Fantasy play at this point. Don't use him when the Pats host the Jets in Week 13.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate was held without a reception for the second time this season in Week 11 against the Colts. Tate, who was listed as questionable coming into the came with the flu, hardly saw the field on offense and was not even targeted in the 31-28 win. He did return three kicks for a combined 69 yards in the victory.
Analysis: Tate hasn't done much since his three-catch, 101-yard performance in late October. He has just three receptions for 62 yards since then and Sunday marked the second time this season Tate did not record a reception. He continues to be used more as just a deep route runner for the Patriots to keep defenses honest than an actual consistent target for Tom Brady. We do not recommend starting him in Week 12 against the Lions.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate has been ruled active for Week 11 against the Colts. Tate missed practice on Friday with the flu and was listed as questionable on the injury report. He will face a Patriots' defense that is ranked 10th in pass defense and is allowing an average of 19.7 Fantasy points to opposing WRs on the season.
Analysis: Since his three-catch, 101-yard performance in late October, Tate has just three catches for 62 yards. He continues to be used more as just a deep route runner for the Patriots to keep defenses honest than an actual consistent target for Tom Brady. Consider him just a flex option against New England.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate missed practice Friday with the flu. New England hosts the Colts in Week 11 and Tate is listed as questionable. The Colts boasts the leagues 10th best pass defense, allowing 211 yards per game. Indianapolis has surrendered 11 touchdowns through the air this season and is allowing an average of 19.7 Fantasy points to opposing WRs on the season.
Analysis: Since his three-catch, 101-yard performance in late October, Tate has just three catches for 62 yards. He continues to be used more as just a deep route runner for the Patriots to keep defenses honest than an actual consistent target for Tom Brady. If he's feeling better on Sunday, continue to use him in just very deep formats as a flex option.
News: New England WR Brandon Tate caught a 45-yard pass from Tom Brady in the Week 10 win over the Steelers. He also hauled in a 5-yard pass on the night from Brady, who targeted him four times.
Analysis: Tate was again used as the deep-threat for Brady, which seems to be his role in the offense. He also excels in the return game. He will look for more down-the-field success against Week 11 opponent, Indianapolis. The Colts currently have a top-10 NFL defense against the pass, so we'll call Tate a low-end Fantasy option at-best heading into that matchup.
News: New England WR Brandon Tate is coming off a one-catch outing against the Browns in Week 9. The Patriots face the Steelers in Week 10, a team that is allowing 240 passing yards per contest -- the same as the Browns. The second-year receiver has never faced Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Tate is still the Patriots deep threat despite only having one catch last week. He ranks among one of the best kick returners in the NFL as he averages 28.9 yards per return. That is valuable in leagues that use return yardage. Tate is trying to fill the void left by Randy Moss, and had one good game -- a three catch and 101 yard outing against Minnesota. Tom Brady spreads the ball around to all of his weapons, so unless Tate becomes Brady's favorite target, the young receiver will be no more than a flex option in deeper formats in Week 10.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate caught one 12-yard pass in a Week 9 loss to the Browns.
Analysis: Coming off his 101-yard performance in Week 8, Tate looked like a nice sleeper for this game against the generous Browns secondary, but it looked more like he was asleep, even though he was targeted four times by QB Tom Brady. The way the veteran QB spreads the ball around, every Pats receiver is prone to days like this more often than not, which limits Tate's value heading into Week 10 at Pittsburgh to just a flex option in deeper formats.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate heads into Week 9 against the Browns coming off his best game as a pro, as he caught three passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in Week 8 against the Vikings. Cleveland is allowing an average of 25.8 points to opposing wide receiver corps this season, so Tate could be in for a nice points haul on Sunday afternoon.
Analysis: Many expected Tate to fill in for Randy Moss, but he was doing a whole lot of nothing until this breakout performance last week. While he might not go over 100 yards again in Week 9, there is certainly a chance Tate puts up enough Fantasy points to be worth using as a sleeper flex option in deeper leagues against a a Browns secondary that has allowed three 100-yard games and one 200-yard game this season. Marques Colston went off for 10 catches, 112 yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against Cleveland.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate scored his first offensive touchdown of the season in Week 8 against the Vikings. Tate was on the receiving end of a 65-yard touchdown strike from Tom Brady in the third quarter that gave New England a 14-10 lead. Brady was able to elude several defenders while scrambling around in the backfield before finding a wide open Tate. Tate caught the ball in open space and used his speed to race 65 yards for the touchdown. He finished with three receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in the 28-18 victory.
Analysis: After being just an afterthought in the Patriots' passing game the last few weeks, Tate finally showed a galnce of what he can do against the Vikings. Many thought his production would increase with the departure of Randy Moss, but that hadn't been the case prior to Sunday. Hopefully, his latest effort will install some confidence in the rookie and he can develop into New England's big-play receiver. Still, he needs to prove this wasn't just a flash in the pan and should be considered a No.4 Fantasy WR or flex option heading into Week 9 against the Browns.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate hasn't had the type of season many thought he would. Tate has just 12 receptions for 138 yards on the season and has yet to find the end zone. He faces a Minnesota team in Week 8 that is ranked 13th in pass defense, but have allowed an average of 19 Fantasy points to opposing WRs this season.
Analysis: Many thought Tate's production would increase with the departure of Randy Moss, but unfortunately that hasn't been the case. He only has five receptions for 52 yards over his last three games and his longest reception over that stretch only went for 12 yards. He has the speed to stretch the field and make big plays, however, owners may want to leave him on the bench until he starts producing. We don't recommend starting him in Week 8.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate was again not a factor in Week 7 against the Chargers. He was targeted three times in the 23-20 win, but finished with just one reception for 3 yards. Tate also returned two kickoffs for a combined 45 yards.
Analysis: Tate has just two receptions for 3 yards over his last two games and clearly isn't someone who should be starting in Fantasy right now. While he does have great speed and explosive potential, his limited opportunities and lack of production are hurting his Fantasy value. We don't recommend starting him in Week 8 against the Vikings.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate, who did not catch a pass in Week 7 against the Ravens, is hoping to play a larger role in Week 7 at San Diego. However, the Chargers rank No. 1 in pass defense and only allowed five touchdowns through the air this season. San Diego has only allowed an average of 11.3 Fantasy points to opposing receivers this season.
Analysis: With the departure of Randy Moss, many felt Tate would see an increase role in New England's offense. So far that hasn't been the case and it appears Tate will only be used as a situational receiver for the Patriots when they want to take shots downfield. While he does have great speed and explosive potential, his limited opportunities and tough matchup make him a we don't recommend starting this season.
News: For those of you expecting big stats from Brandon Tate, you'll have to wait another week. Tate had a sensational 22-yard run on a double reverse in the first half vs. Baltimore in Week 6, but that's all he did on offense. Tate was targeted four times by Tom Brady including once late in the fourth quarter on a deep bomb, but he didn't haul in any catches. Meanwhile, Deion Branch was targeted 12 times and caught a touchdown and Danny Woodhead made a dent with five catches of his own.
Analysis: It seems like Tate will be a situational receiver for the Patriots when they want to take downfield shots. We wouldn't expect him to be helpful to Fantasy owners for now, though he could develop and be a factor. For those reasons -- his speed and explosive potential -- Tate is worth carrying on deeper rosters. He'll have his hands full next week against a stingy Chargers defense that has allowed one deep-ball touchdown to a receiver all year (it actually came in Week 6 at St. Louis), but between the matchup and his limited opportunities, don't trust Tate in Week 7.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate already has made an impact this season with two touchdowns on kickoff returns. Now he should get more of a chance as a receiver. With Randy Moss traded to Minnesota and Deion Branch newly arrived in a deal with Seattle, the speedster whose past two seasons were ruined by knee injuries looms as a more prominent target Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. "We'll see Sunday," Tate said. "I'm ready. I've been ready for any opportunity." He has 11 catches for 135 yards this season, two more than Moss had with the Patriots, but started just two games.
Analysis: Tate has a tough matchup in Week 6 against the Ravens since Baltimore is No. 2 in pass defense. They have also allowed just three passing touchdowns, and since Tate's role is undefined, the best bet is to just stash him on your roster and wait to see how he's used in this matchup. The potential is there for him to succeed, but we want to see how the Patriots use all their receivers now that Moss is gone and Branch is on the roster.
News: The Patriots have traded WR Randy Moss to the Vikings on Wednesday for a third-round pick in 2011, which should allow second-year WR Brandon Tate to move into the starting lineup. Tate, primarily a return specialist for New England, has 11 catches for 135 yards on the season. The Patriots are fond of Tate's speed, which was on display Monday night at Miami when he returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. It was his second kickoff return this season.
Analysis: Tate has 14 targets on the season, but all of his stats are about to rise. He's nowhere near as talented as Moss, but his value will increase now that he has more time on the field. We'll find out how much Tom Brady trusts him, but keep in mind Brady did well before he had Moss with guys like Deion Branch and David Patten. Tate has a similar skill set to Branch, and he's worth adding in all leagues. Wes Welker remains the No. 1 WR for the Patriots, and Aaron Hernandez is likely the No. 2 option. But don't be surprised if Tate is a close third now that he will see more targets with Moss gone. New England now has two weeks to adjust its passing game with a bye in Week 5. The Patriots face Baltimore in Week 6, and the Ravens ended Week 4 as the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL. We will consider Tate a No. 3 Fantasy WR in that matchup.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate had a productive game against the Dolphins in Week 4. He caught four passes for 39 yards and had a big play on special teams. With New England trailing 7-6 at halftime, Tate returned the opening kick of the second half 103 yards for a touchdown. It was his second kick return of the year and first since the season opener.
Analysis: Tate has shown the ability to be a play-maker on special teams and has gotten more involved in the passing game recently. He was second on New England in receiving yards on Monday night and has caught 11 passes for 135 yards through the first four games this season. Tate is someone to keep an eye on over the next few weeks but should not be starting in most leagues at this point. Fantasy owners would be wise to stay away from the former Tar Heel for Week 6 against the Ravens.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate made two catches for 43 yards and rushed once for 5 yards in a Week 3 win over the Bills. He also lost a fumble.
Analysis: Tate is a nice young talent, but he's currently buried on the Patriots depth chart and is basically their sixth or seventh option in the passing game. His Fantasy value really lies in just long-term keeper leagues for now, and Tate should not be used in Week 4 at Miami.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate had just one pass thrown his way in Week 2 against the Jets. He caught his lone target for 17 yards and added 123 yards in kick returns.
Analysis: Tate had four catches in the season opener but moved down to the No. 4 option as the Patriots had Julian Edelman back for Week 2. He is a playmaker in the kicking game and could put up some decent numbers as a receiver down the road. He might be worth using in deeper leagues as a flex option for Week 3 against the hapless Bills but should either be stashed away or left on the waiver wire in larger formats.
News: Patriots second-year WR Brandon Tate played well in Week 1 against Cincinnati. He had four catches for 36 yards and returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Tate had five targets in the game and served as the No. 3 WR behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
Analysis: Tate could be in line for a solid year in 2010 as the No. 3 WR for New England. He is not worth using in the majority of leagues in Week 2 against the Jets, but he is worth keeping on your radar in case you want to add him off the waiver wire.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate provided some early fireworks during Thursday's preseason game against the Rams. The Patriots had grabbed the lead just 12 seconds into the game on a 97-yard kickoff return by Tate, who finished with two catches for 17 yards. He has five catches for 62 yards in the preseason.
Analysis: Tate appeared in only two games as a rookie in 2009, mostly due to injury. But he has been healthy in the preseason and is showing off his speed. Sadly, New England might get more use out of him on special teams as long as Randy Moss and Wes Welker are healthy in the receiving game. Tate could get a few token catches per week, but he is still not worth drafting in most Fantasy formats.
News: Without Wes Welker on the field due to being placed on the PUP list following last year's torn ACL, other Patriots WRs like Brandon Tate and Julian Edelman have benefitted from more reps. Tate has looked especially impressive, making one remarkable catch in the corner of the end zone during Thursday's practice.
Analysis: We expect Tate to be in the mix for the Patriots this season, but he's not worth drafting in the majority of leagues. He could be considered a sleeper in deep formats, but most owners should just keep an eye on his production early in the season and then add him off the waiver wire. His value would improve if Welker is out to begin the year, but we still can't advise drafting Tate in the majority of formats.
News: The Providence Journal reports that with Wes Welker (knee) potentially out to start the season, the Patriots are trying to find some other options at WR behind Randy Moss. Patriots WR coach Chad O'Shea said Thursday he is counting on Brandon Tate, Torry Holt and Julian Edelman to step up with Welker out. The paper reports Tate has looked sharp during New England's OTA workouts and minicamp, and he said his knee is 100 percent. "Brandon Tate has done an outstanding job for someone coming off a knee injury," O'Shea said. "He worked extremely hard in the offseason. The athletic trainers, the doctors and himself have done a great job getting him to the point where he is right now competing on the field, so that's No. 1. He's done very well this spring, but he's still got a long way to go. He's worked hard, and right now we're happy to have Brandon Tate on the football field, like we are our other players."
Analysis: We expect Tate to be in the mix for the Patriots this season, but he's not worth drafting in the majority of leagues. He could be considered a sleeper in deep formats, but most owners should just keep an eye on his production early in the season and then add him off the waiver wire. His value would improve if Welker is out to begin the year, but we still can't advise drafting Tate in the majority of formats.
News: The Boston Herald reports Patriots WR Brandon Tate is trying to move on from a disappointing rookie season in 2009. Tate was limited to two games following a torn ACL as a senior at North Carolina. Now, Tate is healthy and trying to become New England's No. 3 WR behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker. He is competing with Torry Holt, David Patten and Julian Edelman for playing time. "I'm good, I'm mentally strong," Tate said. "Injuries happen in football. I just brushed it off. I'm out here now, competing for a job. Hopefully. For me, I feel like I haven't done nothing, to tell you the truth. That's why I'm taking this whole offseason, trying to get everything back down pat and, hopefully, I'll be out there when the season starts." Holt is looking forward to the competition. "That's what it's all about," Holt said. "That's the beauty of sports - competing. We do a lot as athletes to ... give ourselves a chance to compete. A lot of young guys, a lot of veteran guys, a lot of guys who are proven. But the environment is still competitive, and that's all you can ask for."
Analysis: We like Tate as a sleeper this year in deep leagues. He should see an increase in playing time and has a strong chance to beat out Holt and Patten for the No. 3 role. Edelman is likely going to see time in place of the injured Welker (knee), so look for Tate with a late-round pick in deep Fantasy leagues on Draft Day. He's also worth putting on your scout team as a potential waiver-wire addition during the year. Holt could also be used in deeper leagues, but he was a disappointment with the Jaguars last season. Patten is a long shot to be a useful Fantasy option, so don't plan on drafting him in any formats.
News: Patriots QB Tom Brady told Sports Illustrated NFL Writer Peter King that he likes the potential of WR Brandon Tate, who only appeared in two games as a rookie in 2009 and had no catches with only one carry for 11 yards. "I like Brandon Tate a lot, and Julian Edelman was so effective for us last year, plus having David Patten back is going to help," Brady said. "The two tight ends we drafted [Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez], from what I hear, are really good players."
Analysis: Tate has the chance to make some plays with Wes Welker (knee) out for the start of the season. He could also compete with Patten, Edelman and Torry Holt for the No. 3 WR role. We like Tate as a sleeper in deep leagues, and he could be worth a late-round pick. If he goes undrafted then add Tate to your scout team in case he starts out the season playing well.
News: Patriots DL Jarvis Green (knee), Brandon Tate (knee) and Fred Taylor (ankle) have been ruled out of the team's Week 10 game against the Colts.
Analysis: Tate and Green are not relevant Fantasy options and Taylor has been out since Week 4. Leave them all either on your bench or on waivers for Week 10.
News: Patriots WR Brandon Tate, WR Matt Slater, TE Chris Baker and QB Brian Hoyer all dressed for New England's Week 9 win over the Dolphins.
Analysis: All of these guys are backups and have no Fantasy value at this time. Ignore them in Week 10 at Indianapolis.
News: Patriots rookie WR Brandon Tate, seeing his first NFL action after coming off the reserve/PUP list, ran one time for 11 yards in a Week 7 rout of the Buccaneers in London.
Analysis: Tate might get some action while Julian Edelman is out with a broken forearm, but no Patriots WRs outside of Randy Moss and Wes Welker are worth using in Fantasy play right now. New England is off in Week 8.
News: The Patriots took WR Brandon Tate off the reserve/PUP list and added him to their 53-man roster. He might be active for the team's Week 7 game vs. the Bucs in London on Sunday.
Analysis: Tate was considered a quality draft prospect as a receiver and kick returner until he tore two knee ligaments in his senior year. Now he appears healthy and ready to play. He's worth adding in the deepest of dynasty/keeper leagues since he does have some potential to be a useful contributor over the next few years.
News: WR Brandon Tate, who was on the non-football injury list, could return as soon as this week with the release of Joey Galloway on Tuesday. "I don't know if a player, after a couple of days of practice, is going to be ready to play," coach Bill Belichick said. "It's a possibility, but I think it's a lot to ask." If the Patriots don't activate him in 21 days, he'll miss the rest of the season.
Analysis: Tate has some good ability and could be worth a flier in dynasty/keeper leagues right now. He's not a lock for seasonal Fantasy leagues just yet, but he'll have the chance to be if he can find playing time. Put him on your scout team for now.
News: The Patriots placed WR Brandon Tate (knee) on the reserve/non-football injury list Monday, according to the Boston Globe.
Analysis: Now that Tate was moved to reserve list, which was expected, he will not be eligible to play until Week 7 at the earliest. Tate is likely going to miss his rookie year, and he should not be drafted in seasonal leagues this season.
News: The Patriots announced Thursday that they have placed five players on the Active/PUP list and two players on the Active/NFI list. The team placed LB Shawn Crable, OL Mark LeVoir, OL Rich Ohrnberger, DL Darryl Richard and DT Ty Warren on the Active/PUP list. CB Shawn Springs and WR Brandon Tate were placed on the Active/NFI list.
Analysis: Warren and Springs have low-end value in IDP leagues, and it's worth monitoring what happens during training camp. Tate is likely going to miss his rookie year, and he should not be drafted in seasonal leagues this season.
News: The Boston Globe reports Patriots signed rookie WR Brandon Tate on Thursday to a four-year deal with a $755,000 signing bonus and base salaries of $310,000, $395,000, $480,000 and $565,000. Tate slipped in the draft to the third round because of a major knee injury that truncated his senior season and a report that he tested positive for marijuana at the Scouting Combine in February. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Tate displayed explosive playmaking ability during his four seasons at the University of North Carolina. Tate set an NCAA record for combined kickoff and punt return yardage with 3,523 despite missing the final seven games of his senior season after he tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee against Notre Dame. Tate is still recovering from his knee injury. He had surgery Oct. 15 and could start the season on injured reserve.
Analysis: Tate will likely not see much action this year coming off the knee injury and should not be drafted in most seasonal leagues. He is worth drafting with a mid- to late-round pick in rookie-only drafts since he could be a factor for the Patriots as early as next year.
News: The Boston Globe reports Patriots rookie WR Brandon Tate, who had knee surgery in October, could start the season on the physically unable to perform list.
Analysis: This isn't a surprise since Tate is slow in his recovery from the knee surgery, and the Patriots don't have much of a need for him this year. Don't plan on drafting Tate in seasonal leagues, but he is worth a late-round pick in rookie-only drafts.
News: The Boston Herald reports Patriots rookie WR Brandon Tate, who had knee surgery in October, was not present at Wednesday's OTA workout. There's a chance Tate could be out for the season.
Analysis: This was expected that Tate would be slow in his recovery and might not be ready for the start of the season. We'll know more as the offseason goes on, but Tate is only worth drafting in rookie-only leagues at this point.
News: New England selected North Carolina WR Brandon Tate with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. This was one of several picks that the Patriots acquired via trade. Tate was reportedly one of the players who tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine in February.
Analysis: Tate was considered a quality draft prospect as a receiver and kick returner until he tore two knee ligaments in his senior year. He is still recovering from his injury. Don't waste a draft pick on Tate this season, especially since he's coming off a serious injury.
News: FOX Sports reports that draft prospects Percy Harvin and Brandon Tate, both wide receivers, tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine in February. The report says that they were the only high-profile players who tested positive.
Analysis: Harvin is a Reggie Bush-esque offensive talent, great at making a catch in the short area and breaking it long. He also could be used as a running back and receiver, like Bush. Tate was considered a quality draft prospect as a receiver and kick returner until he tore two knee ligaments in his senior year. He is still recovering from his injury. There's no telling if this alleged test result will have an impact on their draft status, but only Harvin is expected to post nominal totals for Fantasy owners in 2009.
