After being drafted by the Bucs in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, tight end Devin Culp is hoping to not only make the roster but make his mark in a young tight end room in need of another playmaker.
Most seventh-round picks that come into the league are players who are lucky to crack the 53-man roster coming out of the preseason. In recent years, a couple of them – most notably Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy – have come in and made a big impact right away as guys who slipped through the cracks.
Culp will be looking to do the same at a position that will benefit from having offensive coordinator Liam Coen running the offense. He adds a different dynamic to the room that could allow him to have a big impact.
Devin Culp Adds “Speed, Explosiveness And Athleticism” To Bucs’ TE Room
After running a blazing 4.47 40-yard time at the NFL Combine, Devin Culp made it clear that he has a rare blend of speed at the tight end position. When asked during rookie minicamp last week on which tight ends he models his game after, it came as little surprise that Culp mentioned guys with a similar style of play.
David Njoku. Jonnu Smith. Darren Waller. Evan Engram.
The Bucs would surely be ecstatic to see Culp develop into one of those players, and they will be looking to utilize his skillset in a way that allows him to capitalize on his ability as a route-runner and let his natural abilities do the rest.
“As a route-runner I feel like a big part of the reason I was drafted here was because of my speed, explosiveness, and athleticism,” Culp said. “I know that the coaches want to put me in situations where I’m just able to showcase that.”
In a star-studded Huskies’ offense last season, Culp had a relatively quiet senior year with just 16 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns. But playing in a Bucs’ offense that has been trending younger and faster, he could very well find himself in situations to stretch the seam or take a short pass and turn it into a big catch-and-run.
Among the tight ends on the Bucs’ roster, he offers something that none of the other tight ends do. Cade Otton is the most well-rounded, but his bread and butter is having sure hands and the ability to move the chains. Payne Durham is the biggest target and profiles as the best red zone threat. Ko Kieft is not the most able receiver, but his value stems from blocking.
There will be an adjustment period for Culp entering the NFL, but as he starts to find his footing and learning how to translate his play speed to game speed, he could really give defenses problems.
“We’re all just trying to get out there and learn and do our jobs and be as detailed as we can,” Culp added. “I’m sure the defense is going to do their thing and I’m going to do my thing as well.”
Devin Culp Has More “Lead In The Pants,” But Don’t Expect Him To Slow Down
After weighing in at just 231 pounds at the NFL Combine and playing around that level at Washington, Devin Culp has been bulking up. It begs the question if he has already been spending his time with left tackle Tristan Wirfs and right tackle Luke Goedeke in the weight room and cafeteria.
Culp revealed that he has already put on about 15 pounds, sitting at around 245-250 pounds. That extra weight will help him in terms of blocking bigger defensive players but don’t expect him to add much more size, as he still wants to have his wheels.
“I don’t want to get too oversized,” Culp said. “I’d still like to use my speed and quickness to my advantage. There are some big boys in this league out there on the edge, so I’ve got to make sure I’ve got some lead in the pants.”
While Devin Culp is just starting to get into the swing of things, he is one name to keep an eye on as things begin to ramp up. He has a chance to see the field early as a rookie, and he will be looking to make the most of his opportunity in an offense that could really benefit from his style of play.
