Buccaneers select Cade Otton to kick off Day 3 of NFL draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Washington tight end Cade Otton in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 106 overall.

Otton gives the Buccaneers some insurance as they wait for Rob Gronkowski to decide whether he'll return or retire in 2022. Gronkowski is a free agent but is expected to re-sign with Tampa Bay if he continues his career. The Buccaneers also have Cameron Brate at tight end after losing O.J. Howard to the Buffalo Bills in free agency.

Otton posted 28 receptions for 250 yards and a touchdown last season at Washington. He's regarded as a well-rounded tight end with limited athleticism.

Scouting profile: Cade Otton

Otton looks the part of an NFL tight end, but whether he has enough talent to propel himself to a starting job at the next level remains to be seen. He's another prospect who might have a more prolific professional career than what we saw from him in college, where his targets were limited. If he does, it won't be because of his athletic prowess, but rather the subtle ways he creates space as a route-runner and his ability to make plays at the catch point. He steps up more often than not when asked to block, but if he’s going to earn significant playing time, he'll need to improve his footwork and technique.