In a somewhat weak tight ends class, Cade Otton had a chance to separate himself from the pack during the 2021 season. But a late-season ankle injury (and prehistoric offensive scheme) prevented him from doing that. Despite those issues, which will sadly knock him down on some team’s draft boards, shouldn’t prevent NFL teams from doing their due diligence on the former Husky tight end.

Strengths

Otton is going to be a do-it-all tight end at the NFL level. As a pass-catcher, he’s a crisp route runner and will end up being a solid security blanket for an NFL quarterback. He doesn’t drop a lot of passes, and while he won’t outrun a lot of NFL defenders after the catch, he’s big enough at 6’5 and 247 pounds to fight for extra yards.

While he’s going to be a very good pass catcher in the NFL, whoever drafts him is going to be asked to step in right away as a blocker. He’s an elite blocker in both pass protection and in the run game. He’s strong enough to hold his own against defensive linemen, and not just chip them while running routes. Otton has a very high football IQ, and is rarely ever caught out of position.

Weaknesses

Otton’s lack of big-time production at the college level is going to be concerning to some teams. While anyone who watched a single Husky game in 2021 knows that he isn’t to blame for the lack of targets, it will certainly worry NFL teams. 2021 was arguably the worst statistical year of his time in purple and gold. In a year where he was named a preseason All-American by multiple media outlets, he put up the lowest yards per catch (8.9) of his career, second-lowest amount of receiving yards (250), and just one touchdown.

In conclusion

In a class where no one is really separating themselves, if Otton is able to work out at his pro day and puts up above-average numbers, he could find his name in consideration towards the end of day two of the draft, although he’ll likely end up being a high pick on day three. Whoever does end up taking Otton is going to get a high-impact player, who could contend to start on day one of training camp.

A team with a young quarterback in need of a reliable third-down option, like the Jaguars or the Bears, could find a gem in Otton. He could also be a weapon for a team like the Packers, who are just in need of more reliable receiving threats, or the Cincinnati Bengals, who could really use his services as a blocker.

Prediction

Round 4, Pick 130 to the Green Bay Packers. Right now, the Packers are starving for pass catchers to help Aaron Rodgers. There’s a huge opening at tight end too, with 37-year-old Marcedes Lewis currently penciled in as the starting tight end. If Robert Tonyan decides to sign elsewhere as a free agent, head coach Matt LeFleur will almost certainly be in the market to draft another tight end. Otton could be a huge help as a security blanket over the middle, and would be a huge help in the run game for Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.