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Buccaneers Draft O.J. Howard: Fans React On Twitter

By James Yarcho

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs a touchdown ahead of Clemson Tigers safety Van Smith (23) during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs a touchdown ahead of Clemson Tigers safety Van Smith (23) during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made their first pick in the NFL draft and in a stunner they were able to sit at nineteen and select dynamic Alabama tight end O.J. Howard. What did the fans think?

The fans of the Buccaneers were pretty torn over this pick, Dalvin Cook, Budda Baker, an ede rusher. Never in a million years did anyone believe tight end O.J. Howard would fall to them at nineteen. Howard provides a major threat in the passing game while being able to block – something no other Bucs tight end could do. Cameron Brate was great in the pass game, leading the NFL in touchdowns by a tight end, but he can’t block very well. Luke Stocker was the best run blocker on the team, but can’t catch. Howard is the total package.

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The crazy part about this was that the Bucs chose Howard over fan favorite Dalvin Cook, leading to a mixed reaction. For the most part, it was positive, but there are some who were 100% dialed in on Cook leading to major disappointment. For many, it has to do with their NCAA fandom, which we warned you about.

So what was the reaction on Twitter?

For the record – as someone who wanted Cook in the first without any Florida State affiliation – Howard was absolutely the right choice. The passing game is going to be on fire with Mike Evans, Brate, Adam Humphries, and the additions of DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard.

The depth at running back made this decision a no-brainer. With guys like Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, Marlon Mack, Samaje Perine, D’Onta Foreman, and Kareem Hunt all still available in day two, the Bucs can continue to bolster their offensive attack on Friday and still address the defense in either of the two rounds of day two.

Next: Grading The O.J. Howard Pick

Get excited, Buccaneers fans. This was a great move in the Koetter/Licht era.

#YayForOJ

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