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What are the chances that Bauer Sharp makes the Bucs 53-man roster?
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- What are the chances that Bauer Sharp makes the Bucs 53-man roster?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added another offensive weapon in sixth-round tight end Bauer Sharp, a pick that raises the question: Can he do enough to make the 53-man roster?
Sharp enters the NFL without the luxury of time or a guaranteed roster spot. Sixth-round tight ends are typically viewed as developmental depth pieces, special teams contributors, or practice squad candidates in Year 1. But Tampa Bay's lack of production in the TE room, there may be a more open path than usual. Sharp's appeal starts with his versatility. With great size at 6'4", he brings a blend of receiving ability and functional blocking that allows him to be used in multiple tight end sets, something frequent in a Zac Robinson offense.
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The most realistic path to making the 53-man roster is through special teams. Cade Otton is a stand-alone TE1 after a 3-year, 30-million-dollar deal this offseason. His real competition is against Payne Durham and Devin Culp.
Sharp's opportunity would likely come in TE2 or TE3 packages where he can be deployed in play-action concepts or short-yardage situations, similar to Ko Kieft when he sees a handful of route-running play opportunities. and occasional seam or leak routes. A realistic rookie projection, assuming he makes the roster, would be 15 receptions, 80–150 receiving yards, and possibly 1–2 touchdowns, with most of his value coming in blocking assignments and special teams snaps.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The roadmap for Bauer Sharp to make the Bucs 53-man roster
