It was a down year for the Buccaneers in a lot of ways — certainly in the record books.
But, according toPro Football Focus, it wasn’t a down year for Bucs tight end Cameron Brate, who was bested only by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce when it came to first down catches for tight ends (yes, that means he was better than Rob Gronkowski).
Travis Kelce had the most third down receptions resulting in first downs last season! pic.twitter.com/hZtQjX1ve7
— PFF (@PFF) June 6, 2018
Brate has become quarterback Jameis Winston’s Mr. Reliable in crunch time. Whether it’s 3rd and long, 3rd and short, in the red zone or over the middle of the field, Brate is and has been one of the most consistent players on the Buccaneers offense. Stats like the one above are why Brate signed a 6-year, $40.8 million contract with the Buccaneers earlier this offseason.
Trevor Sikkema is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat reporter and NFL Draft analyst for PewterReport.com. Sikkema, an alumnus of the University of Florida, has covered both college and professional football for much of his career. As a native of the Sunshine State, when he's not buried in social media, Sikkema can be found out and active, attempting to be the best athlete he never was. Sikkema can be reached at: [email protected]
SR's Fab 5: How Good Are The 2018 Bucs? Insider Analysis Of Mini-Camp
Bucs Monday Mailbag: Licht's Ranking As GM, Tough Schedule, Beckwith Update