NFL Draft 2017: Buccaneers Select O.J. Howard in Round One

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) makes a move on Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) after a catch during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) makes a move on Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) after a catch during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The pick is in, and the Buccaneers have selected O.J. Howard with their first round pick in the NFL draft.

Finally, the draft is upon us. The nineteenth pick has come and gone. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has made his selection and the card has been sent to the front. Roger Goodell has made the announcement, and the Bucs have selected O.J. Howard, the tight end out of Alabama.

There was some talk about the Bucs taking a tight end, although much focus was placed on Dalvin Cook and the running backs. This will come as a surprise to some as Cook was the favorite coming into the day. Howard will provide an instant weapon, however, to go along with Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, and Cameron Brate.

Let’s see his stats:

ReceivingRushingScrimmage
YearSchoolConfClassPosGRecYdsAvgTDAttYdsAvgTDPlaysYdsAvgTD
*2013AlabamaSECFRTE101426919.220001426919.22
*2014AlabamaSECSOTE91726015.300001726015.30
*2015AlabamaSECJRTE123860215.820003860215.82
2016AlabamaSECSRTE154559513.230004559513.23
CareerAlabama

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This one should make Bucs fans near and far very happy. He will be a threat in the passing game. Even if not getting the football. He is another weapon for Jameis Winston, and he will draw attention away from the incumbent weapons. Brate will have more room to roam up the seam as well.

Howard also is a complete player, known for his blocking ability as well. He will help the running attack and start the road back for that group, whomever is carrying the football on week one.

This pick, bottom line, is a good one and it makes the Bucs offense better. Dirk Koetter and company should be excited.

Next: Draft Day Pick Six

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