The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have recently had some solid tight ends come through the franchise from future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski to the ever-dependable Cameron Brate.
Second-year tight end Cade Otton is looking to become the next in that string and has shown flashes of being the caliber of player the Buccaneers offense can build around for the future.
In one regular season and three games, Otton has 51 receptions ranking 20th among all NFL tight ends in the same stretch.
Not bad numbers, and good enough to draw the admiration of Kansas City Chiefs great, Travis Kelce.
"Personally, big fan of the tight end they got over there, Cade Otton," Kelce said while discussing brother Jason's win on Monday night as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on their New Heights show. "He does the Neanderthal...Dallas Clark - this guy [has] got no gloves on just thugging it like an O.G. back in the day."
BucsGameday caught up with Otton after practice Wednesday and conveyed Kecle's admiration, but also sought to learn why he opts for the no-gloves approach to playing tight end.
"Appreciate it, Travis," Otton started. "I've just never worn gloves...I kind of tried it in college and just didn't really like the way it felt so I stayed with it...Last year I put them on just to protect my fingers and then...two weeks ago I accidentally brought two left-handed gloves out to practice...So I just threw them to the side and went to practice without gloves, and felt really good, so just kind of stuck with it the last couple of weeks and [will] probably do it going forward."
Jason Kelce stated on the episode that he couldn't understand why a player wouldn't take advantage of wearing gloves when they make it easier to catch, but the tight end on the show came to Otton's defense stating, "Sometimes it can be too sticky."
While Otton appreciates Kelce's complements and advocating of his style, the young tight end also reciprocated the high praise when asked if he studies the Chiefs legend's game.
"I do," Otton said. "He's amazing. Obviously one of the best to ever do it so any tips any things I can pick up from him, I'm going to."
Tampa Bay is hoping to see Otton continue to grow in his role on Dave Canales' offense, and anything he can bring from Kelce's game to the team would be received well we imagine.
And that sounds good for everyone involved, even if Jason doesn't fully understand the choices Otton makes with his gameday equipment options.
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