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Cameron Brate 2018 Season Outlook: Timeshare Suppresses Vast Potential
6 years agoCameron Brate tied for the league lead among all tight ends with eight touchdowns in 2016, while taking advantage of the fifth-most red zone targets that were allotted at his position (19). But rather than becoming a coveted option for owners during their 2017 drafts, his value was essentially vaporized after Tampa Bay selected O.J. Howard with the 19th overall pick in last year’s NFL draft. However, even though Howard's explosive athleticism propelled him to six touchdowns in 14 games as a rookie, Brate matched Howard's six scores, while collecting more targets (77/39), receptions (48/26) and yardage (591/432).
Still, despite being signed to a six-year contract by the Buccaneers last March, owners are currently drafting 21 other tight ends before Brate. His Round 14 ADP is a consequence of the value-depressing situation that results from sharing opportunities with the gifted Howard. If either player could operate as the Buccaneers' clear TE1 without the looming presence of the other, then fantasy owners could embrace the chance to secure a dependable option at a position that rarely provides it. Unfortunately, their output will be restricted by the inherent restraints of a divided workload, and Brate should not be targeted before Round 14.
