5 Buccaneers facing crucial 2023 training camp

When the Bucs kick off training camp a little later this summer, some players will need to show up more than others

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kyle Trask, Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kyle Trask, Baker Mayfield | Julio Aguilar/GettyImages
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Cade Otton, TE

Another position where the Bucs are officially moving forward is at tight end. In their second season now without the retired Rob Gronkowski, the Bucs have also moved on from Cameron Brate after nine seasons with the team.

Last year's fourth-round pick out of Washington, Cade Otton, is the man for the job. He will be stepping into a full-time starting role now in his second year, after putting up an impressive performance in his rookie campaign.

Typically, tight ends take a couple of years to develop and ultimately break out. But, Otton wasted no time getting involved last year. He was targeted 63 times and caught 42 of those for 391 yards and a pair of scores. In his limited action, Otton looked every bit of a potential red zone threat.

Now as "the guy," Otton has to establish himself this summer. There is no looking back, and taking over for a respected veteran like Brate is no easy task. But, it'll be up to Otton to ensure the Bucs look smart for giving him the reins.