National Football League

Detroit's Golden Tate can't rely on typical wide receiver traits

Published Jun. 15, 2015 1:19 p.m. ET

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Only 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate can't rely on his size to create coverage mismatches like teammate Calvin Johnson can. Also, unlike many other pass-catchers his size, Tate isn't the fastest player on the field either.

Yet, Tate racked up 99 receptions for 1,331 yards and four touchdowns last season. His explosive production was more a result of sure hands and unique agility than pure size or speed.

Lions backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky complimented Tate's body control, in particular, and hyped him as one of the hardest-competing athletes he knows, according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein.

"But he’s born with that type of body that there’s a big-time quick twitch muscle in his body. It’s his mindset," Orlovsky told ESPN. "He’s as competitive an athlete when you get him in competitive situations as I’ve ever been around. Absolutely."

Tate gains many of his yards after the catch. For that, the slippery receiver credits his physique below the waste.

"I’ve been blessed with incredible hips, I guess," Tate told ESPN. "Strong hips and hammys and I just kind of take advantage of it."

After winning a Biletnikoff Award at Notre Dame and a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, the former second-round pick (No. 60, 2010) is now making a strong case for himself as one of the NFL's most dangerous pass-catchers with the Lions.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Tim Fuller/Contract Photographer