When the Bucs selected tight end Ko Kieft in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they highlighted his blocking ability as one of the main reasons for his selection. Through offseason camps and the first few practices, Kieft wasn’t able to show that prowess. But since the pads came on, he’s displayed how tenacious of a blocker he can be.

On one particular rep against Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Kieft was able to stonewall the second-year edge rusher. But the rookie tight end isn’t concerned with who’s he’s blocking in front of him. Rather, he’s focusing on what he needs to do to be effective.

“I love Joe [Tryon-Shoyinka]. Great teammate, but it doesn’t really matter who’s out there,” Kieft said. “Even in that play, I could’ve done some things better. I’m not going to worry about who’s in front of me, I’m just going to worry about my details and what I have to do to be effective.”

Though Kieft was advertised as a “blocking tight end,” he’s also shown ability as a pass catcher. It’s a part of his game he feels he’s improved on since arriving with the Bucs.

“I’ve improved my route running since I’ve gotten here,” Kieft said. “I just need to continue to work at that, being in and out of my cuts and being explosive. And then also just being low with my pad level [when] blocking.”

Kieft Has Been ‘As Advertised’

There’s been some ups and downs for Kieft throughout the first two weeks of camp, but Cameron Brate has particularly been impressed by what he’s seen from the rookie. The veteran tight end thinks Kieft adds something to the Bucs offense that they haven’t had for a few seasons.

“He’s as advertised,” Brate said. “I think he caught 12 passes in his college career. Kind of knew that really wasn’t his game, so it’s been fun seeing the first few days in pads and actually getting an opportunity to show what he can do. He brings a lot to our offense. [We] kind of haven’t had that fullback role the past few years, but he’s a guy you can line up at fullback, you can line him up at tight end. He brings the grittiness to the tight end room.”

Bucs TE Ko Kieft – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Having veterans in the room like Brate and Kyle Rudolph has been more than beneficial for the rookie tight end. He routinely seeks them out after plays to gain insight on what he can do better.

“They’re great dudes,” Kieft said. “They’re top of the line, none better than them. Every single play, they’ve got a tidbit or a little thing you can work on and do. So, it’s just a wealth of knowledge and it’s only going to help all the young guys in the room improve.”

Kieft’s Physicality Has Stood Out

One of the things Kieft was known for in college was his physical play style. That hasn’t gotten lost on teammates and coaches alike. Fellow rookie Cade Otton was quick to point out that part of his game.

“He’s a great player, really smart and obviously super physical,” Otton said. “It’s so fun seeing him get after it, and getting to block with him is a blast. He’s actually a really good pass catcher too. I think he’s going to bring a lot to this team and it’s really fun to play with him.”

With the loss of Rob Gronkowski, the Bucs lost their physical tight end presence on the line. The addition of Rudolph helps. But if Kieft continues to grow and improve, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert thinks he could have a good role on the team.

“He’s a tough, physical, smart kid, and obviously he’ll have a good role with us,” Gilbert said.