X-Factor Cade Otton
May 6, 2022
Yes, the Bucs drafted a tight end with the very first pick in Round 4.
Much is known about Cade Otton, but in many ways he is an unknown.
Otton did not play the field at the NFL Scouting Combine because he was injured with a broken leg and a sprained ankle. Otton didn’t race his Pro Day either.
Ask former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht, who mentored this year’s college tight end crop at the Combine, and he’ll tell you that Otto played in a system at the University of Washington that didn’t not exploited its strengths. According to Becht’s comments on WDAE Radio yesterday, Otton maxed out in Washington due to the limits of his offense.
Now Otto, who weighs 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, has landed in Tampa. Its ceiling is not cleared. But he is universally hailed for his all-around game and Becht praised his strength in the middle lanes.
With Rob Gronkowski preparing for a light load in training camp and Cameron Brate being a fragile nine-year veteran, Joe is very confident that Otton will get a ton of work done this summer, even with the first team.
This makes Otto a real X-factor for Joe. Otto will have his chance to impress Tom Brady. If Brady likes him, Joe knows Bucs fans will see him on the field more than they expected the night he was drafted.
