Buccaneers: Biggest Surprise Players of 2016

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter watches the scoreboard during a review late in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 18, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) catches a touchdown pas against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Cameron Brate

The biggest surprise this season for me was the breakout of Cameron Brate. The 2nd year tight end made a handful of solid plays as a rookie but heading into his sophomore season he wasn’t guaranteed a starting spot with Austin Seferian-Jenkins on the roster. Before long, however, Brate moved up above Sefarian-Jenkins in the preseason and once Seferian-Jenkins was cut after week one, the job was securely Brate’s.

He did not disappoint and became Jameis Winston’s second favorite target. Brate finished the season with 57 catches, 660 yards and 8 touchdowns (the most in the NFL among tight ends). Brate was consistent throughout the season and a safety blanket for his quarterback, particularly in the red zone. Oh, and did you know he went to Harvard? For the Bucs, Brate’s surprising breakout means they likely have their tight end for the foreseeable future, something that should excite them and their fans.

–Michael Horan

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