Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton had a very solid rookie year. What makes it even more impressive is the fact he finished as one of the top rookie TEs despite missing out on offseason workouts.
Otton led all rookie TEs in receptions (42). He also finished with the third-most yards (391), his two touchdowns tied for fourth-best, and his 19 first down receptions were second-most.
He managed to put up those numbers despite missing all of OTAs and not practicing with the team until the start of training camp. But, that obviously won’t be the case in 2023. Otton heads into the offseason completely healthy and as a full participant in OTAs for the first time in his NFL career
“Last offseason with the combine and having to rehab from an injury, it’s just been great to have a full offseason to work with the strength staff, to work on my nutrition, and just really focus on building myself from the ground up as a football player,” Otton told reporters Tuesday.
“Getting ready physically for a long season, [I] haven’t played a season like I had last year ever.
[So] just knowing what it takes to go deep into the regular season with a good record and then our goal is to win a Super Bowl every year so that’s what we are gearing up to do.
“Individually, [I’m] just trying to work on what I can do to be the best player I can be.” A full offseason will be huge for Otton. Just put it this way: He was a fourth-round draft pick that didn’t have an offseason during his rookie year and he still managed to flash starting ability on several occasions.
Just imagine what a full offseason will do for him. But it’s not just about Otton. Having the extra time to gel with his offensive teammates is huge because of the new offense the Bucs are installing this year.
The team is already stoked about the new change in philosophy, so, having all the important pieces in place will only help them achieve their goal.
“Yeah, it’s been really nice,” said Otton. “Everyone’s focused but everyone’s light and having fun. I think there’s been a good change, there’s been a good new energy in the building and out here on the field everyone was flying around having fun.
Obviously, there’s a lot to clean up, it was day one, but everyone’s highly competitive and there’s just a new challenge this year. I think everyone’s looking forward to it.” The Buccaneers have a very young tight end room, with Otton leading the way. Dave Canales will probably lean on the room a lot in 2023, so any advantage Otton and co. can get will only help them in the long run.
