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?
Two hours ago I wanted Cook but I NEVER thought Howard would fall this far. I LOVE IT!
— Sean Lovegrove (@seanlovegrove1) April 28, 2017
Fine with it https://t.co/69wP55CupI
— Proud Katz (@A_Katzman83) April 28, 2017
Awesome
— #LetsGoBolts (@tcpipman2) April 28, 2017
YEEEEESSSSS!!
— Stuart Johnson (@StuJohnson85) April 28, 2017
STOKEDDDDD!!! IF YOU AREN'T ECSTATIC RIGHT NOW YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!!!! WOOOOOOWWWW
— Louis Ptack (@louisptack) April 28, 2017
Love it. https://t.co/ss4VCGsXy4
— Free Winston (@DavidJMays) April 28, 2017
WIN.
— Robert Green (@Pinnaql3) April 28, 2017
Don't get me wrong, cook would have been good, but OJ is a top 5 talent!
— Rage (@Rageee__) April 28, 2017
So thankful. What a steal. GREAT PICK!
— Don Holbrook (@Holbrook3D) April 28, 2017
No way Bucs thought they had any chance getting Howard, I love it
— Jaybo (@MrCervon) April 28, 2017
Confused and less than thrilled.
— Matthew Gaither (@TheMMAMatthew) April 28, 2017
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