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Buccaneers: O. J Howard makes it official by signing his rookie contract

By Marc Magana

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a 68 yard touchdown pass against the Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a 68 yard touchdown pass against the Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buccaneers first round pick O.J Howard signed his rookie contract today. O.J becomes the first rookie from this years draft class to do so.

The 19 overall pick (The only #19 overall in Buccaneers history) should have a long career in Tampa with today being just the start. Jason Licht promised to improve the offense and bring in weapons for Winston to use. O.J. Howard  is a weapon at 6-6 with great blocking and catching ability. On top of all of that, he’s fast running a 4.51 in the dash . He seems to be the tight end the team was searching for when they drafted Austin Seferian-Jenkins in 2014 Hopefully, he will far outperform him. if all goes well, defenses in the NFC south will be burdened with stopping this combination for years to come.

Based on talent and picking position it seems as though Jason Licht nailed another draft. it remains to be seen what they can all do on the field, but the college game tape and combine statistics are impressive, especially O.J. Although the specifics of the contract are unknown, its nice to have that taken care of so the rookie can focus on OTA’s and training camp. The Bucs are expecting big things from this young man.

Next: Winston excels throwing to tight ends

An interesting stat was floated out there by PFF this week, of the top 10 QB to receiver combos in the NFL only two of them were QB to TE. Number one in the entire NFL on that list was Jameis Winston to Cam Brate, That being said Jameis now has another weapon at TE this year. Winston to O.J could be a combination we hear called a lot this year. Underused as a tight end at Alabama, I’m sure the Bucs will look to get him involved in the offense early in games to offset the pressure on Mike Evans.

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