Cade Otton leads the NFL among tight ends with a whopping 223 run-blocking snaps, showing a side of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense that goes way beyond what you might see on the average stat sheet. Through nine games, this dude is out there doing the dirty work, making it clear he is a crucial piece of Zac Robinson’s scheme.
Way More Than Just a Receiver
You look at the box score and Otton’s receiving numbers seem modest, sure, with 23 receptions for 211 yards on 36 targets, and no touchdowns yet, averaging 9.2 yards a catch. But that’s just not the full picture of what he brings. This guy is literally everywhere for Tampa Bay. According to StatRankings data, he is seventh among NFL tight ends in in-line usage, clocking in at 47.9%. Think about that: he is consistently lining up right next to the offensive line, clearing lanes, making blocks. He is right there with names like AJ Barner (67.3%), Michael Mayer (60.6%), George Kittle (58%), Greg Dulcich (52.8%), Tucker Kraft (50.7%), and Sam LaPorta (49.8%).
The Versatility Game is Strong
But wait, there is more! StatRankings also puts Otton at sixth in move tight end percentage, with 52.1%. This means he is not just glued to the line. He is constantly moving around, reflecting his usage away from that traditional in-line spot. His role is giving Robinson so much flexibility, opening up options for both the running and passing games. And let’s get back to those blocking chops: his 68.1 PFF run-blocking grade ranks sixth among tight ends with at least 125 run-blocking snaps. He even popped off individual grades of 73.6 against Carolina and 72.2 against Atlanta! These alignment percentages might not tell you how well he blocks, but when you combine them with that massive workload and solid grades, you absolutely see the full story of his role in that offense.
It is clear Otton is a truly versatile weapon, making big contributions that fly under the radar. For the Buccaneers, having a guy who can dominate the run game blocking and still be a threat when he moves around is huge. Keep an eye on how this guy continues to impact the Bucs’ overall offensive strategy; it is definitely something to watch as the season rolls on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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