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Buccaneers 2018 Off-Season Position Preview: Tight End

By David Harrison

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Continuing our preview of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster, today we’re looking at the tight end position.

When the Buccaneers spent their first-round draft pick in 2017 on tight end O.J. Howard it was an exciting surprise.

The Alabama star was considered a Top-5 talent by the organization so getting him at 19th overall would go on to be just one of a few steals from the class.

Adding Howard didn’t do quite what the offense had hoped it would, but there was plenty of potential there for the future.

As we dive into the tight end position, we’ll start with Howard and the other guys under contract for the 2018 NFL Season.

Tight Ends projected to the 2018 Roster

O.J. Howard (26 receptions, 432 yards, 6 touchdowns)

Alan Cross (5 receptions, 58 yards, 0 touchdowns)

Antony Auclair (2 receptions, 25 yards, 0 touchdown)

Howard tied for the team lead with six touchdown catches despite bringing in just 26 receptions in fourteen games.

He ended the year missing the last two games with an ankle injury but should be just fine for his sophomore campaign.

Cross is a versatile player who can help out in the running game and passing game. He and Auclair combine to give the Bucs a young but talented store room of potential.

All three should be around One Buc Place for 2018 and likely even beyond.

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