7 tight ends the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers could draft Cade Otton (Washington)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 250 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 28 receptions
• 250 receiving yards (8.9 YPR)
• 1 touchdown
• 65.8 PFF grade

Cade Otton is an interesting player for the NFL as his skill set is the exact opposite of what most teams look for at the position.

Otton is a block-first tight end and does this very well. Consistently being left alone against ends and free rushing linebackers in blitz protection as well as showing great push and technique in run blocking schemes.

An important facet of this is that the tight end keeps his legs churning when engaged, pushing his assigned defender back and out of the play. On the few occasions where the Washington product was used in the passing game, Otton flashed excellent ball carrier skills and speed for the position.

The potential in the passing game is certainly there with strong hands and solid route running in his limited tree. While Otton is a good prospect, his skill set is essentially the same as Tommy Tremble.

The production simply isn’t there to consider Otton as a pass-catching weapon out of the gate and that is kind of what the Carolina Panthers are needing. There just simply isn’t enough tape of him in that role.

Otton is a great player and I wouldn’t mind having him on the team. However, there really isn’t a place for him unless the skills that were flashed in the passing game stick around in a larger role in that area.