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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rising star, breakout player, rebound player and more

By Ryan Doyle

Justin Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers,(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Justin Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers,(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates while scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates while scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Rising star: O.J. Howard, Tight end

Somehow, Howard slipped to the Buccaneers with the 17th overall pick in last year’s Draft. The dynamic receiving threat will help make life for Jameis Winston much easier for the next decade or so.

After just one season in the NFL, it is clear O.J. Howard has what it takes to be one of the league’s elite tight ends. Surrounded by a plethora of weapons, the rookie managed to show why he was the best tight end in the class.

Last season, Howard caught 26 passes for 432 yards and six touchdowns. The numbers may not jump out on paper but Tampa is blessed with six solid receiving options and as a rookie, Howard was able to find a way to get involved.

Howard was the definition of a mismatch. He was too big for safeties to handle and far too athletic for linebackers in coverage. Even with Cameron Brate in the mix at tight end, Howard should have an even bigger 2018.

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