Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton finished the season strong last year, saving his best for when it mattered most, the playoffs. Otton finished the Bucs playoff run with 13 receptions in the team’s two games, leading the team over that span. Now, heading into his third year with the team, he could be in line for an expanded role in the offense.
Bucs beat writer Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report recently talked about three “low-key” Bucs who had strong training camps and preseason, and Otton was among those he highlighted. Along with the post-season production, Reynolds pointed out that Otton has improved as a blocker, making him a more well-rounded player for the offense who can contribute in both the run and pass game. No matter the position you play on the offense, showing prowess as a blocker is one of the quickest ways to ensure you get more playing time.
Otton finished last season with 47 receptions for 455 yards and four touchdowns last season in his first with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Reynolds says that the two have really developed a rapport over this year’s camp, which should help Otton become even more of a factor in the Bucs offense. The fact that teams have to worry about Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the outside week after week means there should be plenty of opportunity for Otton to have an impact underneath over the middle.
Along with Otton, Reynolds also highlighted offensive lineman Luke Goedeke and linebacker SirVocea Dennis as “low-key” players who have had solid training camps this season, and as players fans should keep an eye on in the regular season.