The Pro Bowl is not held in much high regard by the media, but it still means something for players to be credited with having good seasons. It also allows them to get together during Pro Bowl week, and new bonds can be made that could benefit teams down the road.
Cade Otton’s recent breakout in the absence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin has allowed him to be considered for the event.
NFL Media discussed some potential sleepers for the Pro Bowl and the Bucs tight end made the cut. Kevin Patra writes “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. . .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.”
Regardless of the outcome of the Bucs’ season, Cade Otton’s emergence bodes well for their long-term plans. Having one less position to worry about in the draft and offseason allows more money and time to be invested in other areas.
Cade Otton’s play has allowed the Bucs to feel good about the entire tight end position; a Pro Bowl would put a bow on that conversation.