Bucs end Howard's slide, scoop up top TE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected tight end O.J. Howard out of Alabama with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

After sticking on the board far longer than many would have expected, Howard lands with a Buccaneers offense that suddenly has the makings of an explosive scoring unit.

The former Alabama star is an incredibly balanced tight end prospect who can make an impact both in the receiving game and as an in-line blocker.

Most intriguing will be his potential to round out a passing attack that, led by promising young quarterback Jameis Winston, now features a dynamic pair of wideouts in Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson.

O.J. Howard Bio

Position: TE
School: Alabama
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 251 lbs.

Strengths

• Most well-rounded tight end prospect in recent memory.
• Explosive athlete with a combination of size, speed, and quickness that provides immense upside in the passing game.
• The rare tight end who transitions to the NFL already a proficient in-line blocker.
• Was at his best under the brightest of lights, with the top two performances of his career coming against Clemson in national title games.

Weaknesses

• Role at Alabama, so often deploying him as a blocker, didn't allow for much production as a receiver.
• Was simply left running free on a lot of his biggest and most notable plays.

Combine Results