Devin Culp Hoping Cade Otton Reunion Helps Secure A Roster Spot
April 29th, 2024
Bucs TE Devin Culp.
The list of seventh-round picks under Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht isn’t good. Then again, what are the NFL odds these guys make any roster? Pretty low.
Since Licht began running the Bucs draft in 2014, he has had only one seventh-round pick make the final 53-man roster the September after being drafted by Licht.
That one lucky player was special teams ace Grant Stuard from Houston. However, after just one year, the Bucs traded him to the Colts. In return, the Bucs got a sixth-round pick that turned out to be Josh Hayes, who is still on the roster.
So there’s that.
(Yes, Licht had two other seventh-round picks that played in the NFL, the immortal Raymond Calais and everyone’s favorite fullback Joey Iosefa. They just didn’t play with the Bucs.)
So Bucs’ seventh-round pick on Saturday, Devin Culp, is a long shot and based on recent Bucs history, a very long shot.
However, Culp, the undersized Washington tight end, is being reunited with a guy who Culp said Saturday is a big reason why he was in position to be drafted. That’s his former teammate at Washington, Bucs tight end Cade Otton.
“You know, Cade has always been like a big brother to me,” Culp said. “He’s, he’s a huge part of the reason why I play the way I play and the way I approach football.
“I was able to learn a lot from him in our time shared, in the U-Dub tight end room. I look forward to just being able to continue to pick off his amazing brain. He’s an extremely smart football player.”
If stats alone mean anything, then Culp has a shot.
Culp, at the combine, finished the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. The only tight ends in the past decade to run under 4.49 seconds made the NFL. They are Pro Bowl tight ends Darren Waller and Evan Engram.
“I’m excited to just get back to work with him,” Culp said of Otton. “He’s just an amazing human being.”
From the sounds of it, maybe not a bad coach, either.
only TEs to weigh 230+ with a sub 4.49 40 at the combine in the last decade:
4.42 – Evan Engram (2017)
4.46 – Darren Waller (2015)
4.47 – Devin Culp (2024) pic.twitter.com/Xtvg50vcWJ— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 2, 2024
April 29th, 2024 at 4:02 am
I would think the speed helps a lot
April 29th, 2024 at 4:03 am
Pulling for the guy, that being said how many TE’s we carrying on the roster this year?
April 29th, 2024 at 4:24 am
I think we had 4 last year, not counting PS. So the 4th guy (name escapes me) or Ko Kieft would be the odd man out.
April 29th, 2024 at 5:00 am
I think the kid has to be a special teams ace and play WR to make the team.
April 29th, 2024 at 5:30 am
Kickoff returns-big and fast
April 29th, 2024 at 6:50 am
Special teams opportunity…..possibly practice squad. Bucs are hoping Durham can be an every down TE. Otton is great receiving but an avg blocker at best
April 29th, 2024 at 7:13 am
“If stats alone mean anything, then Culp has a shot.” You know what gives Culp a shot? Pancaking a linebacker and catching a couple of TD’s in the very meaningful preseason games.
April 29th, 2024 at 7:14 am
If he can block just a little, could be used in some creative packages. Or just make him a big bodied WR. He definitely has the speed.
April 29th, 2024 at 7:18 am
TE is a position on the team that lacks the ability to stretch the field. Maybe Culp can help with that by bringing more speed and run after the catch.
April 29th, 2024 at 7:43 am
The guy is fast enough to line up as a WR and play out of the slot.
April 29th, 2024 at 7:43 am
With speed like that, Just depends if he has great hands, or hands of stone, and can he block like Rob gronkowski. imo.
April 29th, 2024 at 7:52 am
There’s always special teams. I like his speed. By the time you get to the seventh round they might as well be USFAs anyway. Maybe with the wonky new licking rules he can return kickoffs.?.
April 29th, 2024 at 8:11 am
He could stick as the 4th TE……or perhaps beat out Keift……
I would have preferred a ILB in this slot…..but we’ll see.
April 29th, 2024 at 8:18 am
4.47. Let him play WR.
April 29th, 2024 at 8:42 am
I wonder how his meaurables comoare to Puka Nacua. Maybe the Bucs could use him in a similar way.
April 29th, 2024 at 8:45 am
@ Bring back the lawn chairs: Culp has hands of stone. 12 drops last year. That’s the number one knock on him. Well, that and his size. Kind of thin for a TE.
April 29th, 2024 at 8:47 am
Just looked it up. He’s bigger and faster than Puka. Might be a steal if he can learn to catch.
April 29th, 2024 at 9:21 am
He’ll make the team, Ko Kieft won’t.
April 29th, 2024 at 10:08 am
I wish this kid the best. I just really want to see Durham take two steps up this season.
April 29th, 2024 at 11:39 am
He could start out getting some time on Special teams!
April 29th, 2024 at 11:42 am
The two tight ends in 12 personnel can provide eight gaps for the offense to run to, which can stress the defense. Defenses are often forced to match the bigger offensive personnel with larger linebackers. 40 time for Travis Kelce 4.61. He can be a weapon in the middle of the field.
April 29th, 2024 at 11:45 am
He won’t make the team if he can’t catch lol. Doesn’t matter how fast he is.
Better get on that jugs machine, son.
April 29th, 2024 at 11:49 am
I’m pulling for him. 2 things to ponder:
1-Can he become a goal line pounder RB?
2- With that speed, he could be a slash type of Swiss Army Knife in this offense.
Jonesin’ To see how this pans out.
April 29th, 2024 at 2:28 pm
He says he has been catching tons of passes during this off-season. I like his speed, but he must get ready for Baker’s arm strength. I’m 100% he’s not seen a fastball like that in his life. Good luck Culp!
April 29th, 2024 at 8:43 pm
He is always extending and high pointing the ball so I think he may prove to be a better pass catcher.
More of the lower end pass catchers tend to be 50% or around there so if he can be around that or higher he has a shot of making the team.
Which is rare for a 7th rounder but he has a chance.