“Think Of Him As Like A Faster Cam Brate”
June 23rd, 2026
Cameron Brate vibes at One Buc Palace.
Joe remembers when the Buccaneers cut Cam Brate, their former tight end who ranks sixth in franchise history in touchdowns scored with 36.
Brate was an undrafted free agent in 2014 and didn’t make the 2015 roster out of training camp. He later spent a week with the slimy Saints and then returned to Tampa.
The Bucs sure were lucky the Saints didn’t realize what they had. Joe always enjoyed the story of Saints defensive coaches grilling Brate daily for Bucs intel while he was there.
A year later, in 2016, Brate had a Pro Bowl–caliber season with 57 catches for 660 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Per the words of Bucs legend Rondé Barber, the Bucs might have another hidden GM like their retired tight end. In April, Tampa Bay traded up in Round 6 to pick Louisiana State University tight end Bauer Sharp. “Think of him as like a faster Cam Brate,” said Barber, noting what he keeps hearing about Sharp.
Joe has heard similar chatter about Sharp, and seen Sharp made plays. (Remember, most spring practices are closed to media.)
Sharp, however, is in Tampa for his special teams ability. That very likely why his presence will launch Devin Culp from the roster.
June 23rd, 2026 at 12:08 pm
H-Back!!!
June 23rd, 2026 at 12:41 pm
They must have seen something to trade up. We all know how much Licht cherishes every draft pick.
June 23rd, 2026 at 12:46 pm
It is obviously way too early to know how these draft picks will perform, but it looks to be a very promising draft class.
June 23rd, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Sharp could be an amazing 6th round pick if the early buzz about him holds up…
He’s got size and speed and athleticism… former QB…. willing blocker… likely a good special teamer…. apparently has somewhat of a ‘plays with hair on fire’ mentality….
From most reports so far – Sharp makes plays every time he’s on the field. Meanwhile, Culp has spent much of his early season workout opportunities in the tub – further increasing the likelihood that he won’t make the club…
I could see Sharp perhaps earn snaps this year as the 2nd TE in a 2 TE set.
June 23rd, 2026 at 2:20 pm
Brady definitely knew how to utilize Brate, even with Gronk and OJ Howard on the roster.
Shame OJ shredded his Achilles, he was really starting to blossom in that Chargers game.
June 23rd, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Pulling for the kid. The hype has to translate though. Remember the exact same hype was cast on an even faster, even more athletic, same sized Devin Culp 2 years ago. A lot more than early shorts workouts and media hype go into making it on the field in the NFL . I still think it will be Otton and Durham in the 12 sets the majority of the time with Bauer eventually sprinkled in there too. I’m waiting to see how Robinson can finally use Otton and Durham to their potential. Think Ko will be a FB and special teamer and not get reps at TE, unless it’s in 13 sets.
June 23rd, 2026 at 2:49 pm
He’s also a psycho. À loud Ànd passionate player.
Our offense needs some Nasty like when we had Ryan Jensen: the greatest center I’ve ever seen.
Barton is not nasty. Wirfs is very nice. Bredeson is very quiet.
Goedeke and Mauch are psychos.
Otton is stoic and silent.
I like that this Sharp is known as à balls to the wall player.
June 23rd, 2026 at 3:02 pm
durham and culp are both really good players that have not been allowed to shine bc the coaches are in love with otter even though every safety rips the ball away from him or at least tries… they think otter is the next gronk
June 23rd, 2026 at 3:28 pm
“durham and culp are both really good players that have not been allowed to shine bc the coaches are in love with otter even though every safety rips the ball away from him or at least tries”
Or they’re victims of the lack of continuity at OC.
Cade and our other TEs have had a new OC re-learning them every year they’ve been with the team. It was the same for Rachaad as well.
June 23rd, 2026 at 3:49 pm
Too bad only Ko can block. Actually, we don’t know if any of these guys can block since the NFL only talks about TEs catching the ball. If Tez played TE and caught a bunch of balls, everyone would love him even though he could never block. So let’s see who can catch balls AND block in the TE room. Coach Justin Peelle needs to get these guys in pads to see who really wants a job.
June 23rd, 2026 at 4:03 pm
MJ-
Otten is a top 10 TE. No, he’s not a hall of fame caliber player like Gronk but very few players are. As an all around do it all TE he’s one of only a few that can have 75-90 receptions as a third or fourth option but also a good blocker as well. I just don’t understand how some of you value him so low, much like Baker.
June 23rd, 2026 at 4:12 pm
Otton has too many fumbles or punch outs or tipped balls leading to turnovers. He has his share of dropped passes as well. Look forward to seeing Bauer sharp in preseason.
June 23rd, 2026 at 4:18 pm
I would like to delete my comment above, Otton was actually very good in these categories 2025. I just look forward to new faces.
June 23rd, 2026 at 5:27 pm
I agree about Durham and Culp. Good players that get few chances. Bucs draft a new toy and these guys are expendable. Giz was pretty bad in using TEs, hope Zac is better.
June 23rd, 2026 at 7:18 pm
I also agree about Durham and Culp amd please somebody teach Otten what the 1st down markers are.
June 23rd, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Heck of a find if it works out.
June 23rd, 2026 at 9:02 pm
Interesting comment Joe about Culp maybe being cut. I hadn’t thought much about his ST ability and maybe he struggles there, leading to more crappy ST play. If you’re not a starter, you’d better be solid on ST or you’re easily replaced.
June 23rd, 2026 at 11:24 pm
It’s weird how so many seem to think Culp is a “good player”….
Based on what?? His 7th round draft status? His career stats (6 receptions and 1 TD)??
Seems like many saw that fast 40 time (for a TE) and assume Culp is some athletic downfield threat – which he’s not…
He’s basically just a big receiver that can’t block – and thus can’t get on the field as a TE…
Sharp is going to be the 4th TE on the roster and just might work his way up the depth chart his rookie year…. Culp may not even make the practice squad this year….
June 24th, 2026 at 8:42 am
Meanwhile, . . . Pittsburgh is delighted with their 7th round pick, RB Eli Heidenreich. He’s got some speed, lots of character, and super attitude. In shorts, of course. He did get some buzz before the draft, and he slipped in part due to tweeter and college roster strength concerns.
It’s a wonder how Licht tossed in the towel on the draft in the middle of the 6th round. Did he not see any gems below? Did he have intel that another team was after Sharp? What gives?
June 24th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
So much hype. Never believe the hype from someone who gets paid by the team. Devin Culp should be getting more playing time.
June 26th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
To paraphrase an oft-repeated line… Have the Bucs completed a padded practice yet this year?
No?
Don’t tell me what we’ve got until they do.