Buccaneers: O.J. Howard may not explode right out of the gate

Although the Buccaneers got one of the most talented prospects in the draft, rookie tight ends historically have not broken out immediately.

Fun fact number one: in the past ten seasons, three rookie tight ends have had fifty or more receptions. Fun fact number two: in the past ten seasons, one rookie tight end has had over 600 yards receiving. Finally, fun fact number three: in the past ten seasons, seven rookie tight ends have had five receiving touchdowns or more. So what does that mean for O.J. Howard and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Quite simply it means that the expectations Bucs fans are setting for Howard may be a bit too high for his debut season. Now, I am on record as saying I believe Howard will be over that five touchdown threshold. Of the three statistics listed, that’s obviously the easiest to achieve given the size and mismatches tight ends can create in the red zone. As for Howard’s overall work load in the passing game, there may be some easing into it.

More from Bucs News

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
• Todd Bowles admits he only looks at three things on Bucs schedule

With the offense built the way it is, there isn’t a huge need to force feed Howard the ball early and often. We are likely looking at a gradual, season long progression for the 22-year old as the Bucs will be able to spread the ball around to Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate. Howard’s impact will be felt, but he isn’t going to be the target monster many may think in 2017.

One of the most alluring things about Howard is his ability to block so well so early in his football career. This will be the skill set the Bucs will likely lean on heavily early in the season as they look for those mismatches in two tight end sets. The question that defenses will have to face when Howard is on the field is “what are the Bucs about to do?” Unlike when Brate or Luke Stocker were on the field and Koetter was essentially forced to tip his hand because there wasn’t a tight end that could do both effectively.

Next: The Buccaneers Ring of Honor Decision is Puzzling

O.J. Howard was probably the best pick the Buccaneers could have made on draft night especially when it comes to immediate impact players. However, immediate impact doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet. Don’t be surprised if Howard continues the recent historical trend and finishes with fewer than 50 receptions and fewer than 600 yards, given the overall firepower of this offense and all the weapons that come with it.