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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Predicting team awards for 2019 season

By Cory Kinnan

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: O.J. Howard #80 celebrates with teammate Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: O.J. Howard #80 celebrates with teammate Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth 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 scores a touchdown during the fourth 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) /

Most Improved Player of the Year: TE O.J. Howard

In his third season in the league, tight end O.J. Howard should finally be able to thrive and click with Winston. Howard has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a massive nightmare for opposing defenses at 6-6 and 250 pounds with 4.5 speed.

Howard’s biggest enemy thus far in his career has been his health, as he has missed eight games over the first two years of his career, including six in 2018. However, in just 10 games last season, Howard posted a stat line of 34 catches for 565 yards and five touchdowns for the Buccaneers.

Big numbers could be in store in 2019, but admittedly the one issue with Howard under Arians is that the new head coach has never utilized tight ends throughout his coaching career. Arains’ most successful tight end in his coaching career has been Rb Housler, who posted less than 500 yards receiving back in 2013.

This should not scare Bucs fans off too much, as Howard is too talented to ignore. With the departure of Humpries, Howard should see a lot more primary reads coming his way in the short to intermediate range in 2019. If Howard stays on the field this season, then he could see a huge increase in his numbers.

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