Pro Bowl Sleeper
November 18th, 2024
Chance to get even better?
So we’ve pushed past the midway point of the season and some observers decided to take a look back at what’s transpired.
Over at NFL.com, Kevin Patra cobbled together a list of Pro Bowl sleeper candidates to make the exhibition game. Included is a very unlikely player just a month ago.
His name? Cade Otton.
Otton’s season started slow, but the tight end’s presence grew as the Bucs’ receiving corps became decimated by injuries. In three of the past four weeks, Otton generated at least 75 yards — a number he’d never previously hit in a regular-season game. Since Week 7, his 20.8 receiving EPA is tops among tight ends, His 39 targets are second-most among TEs (Travis Kelce has 45), and his 293 yards are the most among the position. Those figures are tied for fifth and eighth overall among all players over that span. The Bucs have a tough road ahead to get back into the postseason, but if they can, Otton will be a key reason for the late-season surge.
Look, Joe isn’t about to suggest that losing Mike Evans for a few games and Chris Godwin gone for the regular season is a good thing. But what we have found out in the wake of those injuries is who was able to raise their games. Otton has been that guy.
With basically backups now trying to play the roles of wide receiver Nos. 1 and 2, Otton has shown that not only has he played a bigger role in the offense, but Baker Mayfield can bank on Otton getting more targets and producing.
And Joe thinks Otton may not have hit his ceiling. When Evans gets back, he will draw defenders. There’s no doubt about it. With more defenders keying on Evans, that ought to free up room for Otton to make even more plays.
So, Joe thinks the best of Otton could lie ahead.
November 18th, 2024 at 11:09 am
Amazing how some coaches can overcome major impacts due to injury and other coaches cannot.
November 18th, 2024 at 11:22 am
So happy we dont have to draft or continue searching for our TE1.
Especially since we need a new HC and half a Defense
November 18th, 2024 at 11:47 am
Cotton, a really good 4th round pick ….
November 18th, 2024 at 12:05 pm
I’m not even going to say anything because he has done very well for us this season thus far with all the injuries to the star studded WRs.
He still has to improve a lot more as a pass blocker though for me to really be impressed. Cameron Brate 2.0.
Solid , but nothing really further. Has a chance to be a pro bowler, but likely never will. Again he should just use this comment for motivation and not hating on him it’s just there’s a lot more imo than to just making catches for the TE post.
Where is he at on the run blocks for Bucky , Tucker , and White all season? I mean most starting TEs have to be able to block or they get forgotten and lost in the system.
November 18th, 2024 at 12:28 pm
Good for Cade being on the list. “Otton will be a key reason for the late-season surge.” I believe it too.
November 18th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Cade is not why the Bucs suck. Look for him to play the three technique on defense against the Giants and then drop into deep middle cover who. No one would expect it. Genius.
November 18th, 2024 at 3:43 pm
All right Cade!!
November 18th, 2024 at 8:00 pm
I’m really impressed with that young man. He emerged out of nowhere and has really worked hard to be in a position to be successful. I’m proud of him.
November 18th, 2024 at 9:22 pm
I’ve bin beating this drum since TB12 thru the game winning pass to Otton his rookie year against the rams. He’s a stud. If Brady trusted him his rookie season then I trust him and everyone is starting to see it.