The transition from college to the NFL isn’t always an easy one, but Bucs rookie tight ends Ko Kieft and Cade Otton have showed they can handle the jump through out camp. The speed of the game is much faster, as is the level of detail that goes into each play. So, putting in the work on and off the field is extremely important.

“Football in the NFL is so detailed and fast,” Otton said. “Off the field you have to be dialed in in order to play fast and be at the same level as other guys. So, just having that work ethic to get on the field is really important and that’s a big thing I’m learning through training camp.”

As Kieft echos, being able to process the play calls and what the defense is doing is one of the biggest things the young tight ends have learned throughout camp.

“Just being able to process the play, the call in the huddle, process what the defense is giving you and kind of your details upon that,” Kieft said. “The quicker we can get batter at that then we can play faster.”

Showing The Bucs Versatility

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Throughout camp and preseason games Otton and Kieft have lined up in a variety of positions, highlighting the versatility they can bring. When the fourth-round pick was drafted he was touted as a complete “Y” tight end, and so far he’s impressed with his hands and blocking at the point of attack.

“I think that’s a really important part of offense for the tight ends to be able to catch and block,” Otton remarked. “So, It’s been awesome to get the opportunity to do both. And show that we can do both and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Kieft has seen snaps all over the field including at fullback. Being able to showcase different looks on offense keeps the defense honest on how they can line up. And the physicality the fullback position can bring is a welcome one for the sixth round pick.

“The more multiple we can be in that area, can kind of waste some time for the defense game planning for us,” Kieft stated. “So, that’s a good thing and just brings some extra physicality too. So, that’s good.”

Carving Out A Role On Bucs Special Teams Will Be Key

As is the case for any rookie, especially on a loaded roster such as the Bucs, finding a role on special teams and excelling at it is crucial. So far throughout camp special teams coach Keith Armstrong has moved the tight ends around and giving them different opportunities to make an impact.

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

“Coach Armstrong’s done a good job of just moving us around everywhere,” Otton explained. “He wants every single person that plays on special teams to be able to do a variety of things. And so, we haven’t really been at one position, it’s been a lot of different things and it’s been a lot of fun. Ya know, you get to contribute to the team that way. It’s a way to be unselfish and work hard and earn a spot on the team. So, it’s been great.”

Special teams is all about effort, and that’s something Kieft prides himself on.

“Just learning every single position on each phase of special teams,” Kieft said. “Taking those coaching points and going on the field and giving maximum effort has just kind of been the focus there.”

Iron Sharpens Iron

Both Otton and Kieft have received praise from Bucs coaches and teammates alike throughout camp. The latest has come from veteran linebacker Lavonte David.

“Ko Kieft he’s a physical guy for sure,” David said.  “That’s one thing I know about him. And Cade, he’s a nice guy at tight end. He can block, he can run routes, he can catch the football. So, he’s one of those natural tight ends. He’s out there with no gloves on playing football. He’s a natural football player. Both of them, I’m glad to have them on the team. Kieft is a physical, grimy football player and that’s something that we like and mold our team after, and both of those guys show that.”

Those compliments haven’t gotten lost on Otton or Kieft. Practicing against the Bucs defense has been a great opportunity for the young tight ends. Honing in on the details of the game and playing fast has been key to their early success.

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Just in general our defense and our whole team just is just full of really good players and certainly Lavonte [David] is one of them,” Otton said. “You got to be really detailed and play fast to beat those guys, especially our linebackers’ man. They’re so impressive in coverage and so you just have to play fast and be really detailed. You know it takes a lot to beat them and it’s a great opportunity.”

The theme throughout camp has been “iron sharpens iron.” The chance to practice against the defense and have success has been a real confidence boost. It’s helped to prove to themselves that they can go out and execute against any other team they face.

“Just in training camp to reiterate what everyone says, “Iron sharpens iron,” Kieft explained. “So, if we’re able to go out and execute against our defense, it’s one of the best in the league, so that should give us confidence that on any given Sunday we can go out against anyone. Doesn’t matter who’s on the field as long as we do our details and play with maximum effort that we’ll be able to get the job done.”

Last Chance To Make A Statement

The Bucs’ final Preseason game against the Colts on Saturday provides the rookie tight ends with one more opportunity to show the coaching staff what they’ve learned through camp and apply it. As a fourth-round pick, Otton’s spot on the roster is pretty safe, but he’s plans to play like he still needs to earn it.

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

“Just that we know what we’re doing,” Otton said. “We know the playbook and that we’re physical and can make plays down the field. That’s really what the tight end position is all about. So just eager to do that and also to make our mark on special teams. You got to show up there, especially as a rookie and just want to earn a spot on the team.”

As for Kieft, who has impressed all camp but isn’t necessarily a lock as a sixth-round pick, he kept it short and sweet.

“Maximum effort,” Kieft exclaimed.