Why O.J. Howard can buck trend of slow-starting tight ends

It's no secret that tight ends making the jump from college to the NFL are faced with one of the most difficult transitions in the sport.

There are staggering numbers to back up the early career skepticism toward tight ends, which makes betting against first-year production from players at the position a safe and logical proposition.

Going all the way back to the merger, there have only been three tight ends to top the 700-yard mark in their rookie seasons. Charle Young posted 854 yards in 1973, Keith Jackson recorded 869 in 1988, and Jeremy Shockey racked up 894 in 2002. That's it.

Hunter Henry's rookie season for the now-former San Diego Chargers in 2016 was considered a resounding success because of his eight touchdowns. He wasn't exactly consistent in other areas of the field, though, finishing the year with just 36 receptions for 478 yards.

Suffice to say, the odds are and will remain stacked against young tight ends when it comes to stuffing the stat sheet.

But isn't there an exception to every rule?

If there's one player that can buck the trend and make an immediate impact as a rookie, the best candidate is a generational talent who landed in a perfect situation on draft day.

That's O.J. Howard.

The former Alabama standout falling right into the lap of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers undoubtedly provided one of the most intriguing fits for this incoming rookie class.

Considered by many to be a top-five prospect in a loaded draft, Howard's slide was more about positional value than any sort of justifiable reservations about his ability. An up-and-coming Buccaneers team stayed put at No. 19 overall and somehow managed to scoop up one of the most well-rounded tight end prospects in recent memory.

We've seen the elite athletes before, each of whom boasted undeniable, and occasionally limitless, upside. But Howard is the rare such tight end that also arrives in the NFL already a willing, capable, and near-polished in-line blocker. That complete skill set, thus allowing him to potentially contribute in any offensive situation, will help him avoid the sort of opportunity limitations that tend to hinder young players at his position.

And any concerns about Cameron Brate cutting into his playing time can be put to rest by Howard's draft status and Tampa Bay's clear willingness to feature two-tight end sets. Despite having nothing other than replacement-level options alongside Brate, the Buccaneers tied for the league lead by using "12" personnel (1 back, 2 tight ends) on 31 percent of plays, according to Sharp Football Stats.

That all takes care of step one in creating the potential for instant impact. With translatable traits as a receiver, in addition to an incredibly impressive supporting cast, he's also well-positioned to take advantage of the regular reps.

Howard's lack of college production can be directly attributed to a subpar Alabama passing game and the clear emphasis on using his ability on the line of scrimmage. The way he was unleashed in a pair of national championship games against Clemson, under the brightest of lights, provides an indication of his ability to turn that athleticism into big plays.

As opposing defenses gameplan to limit the impact of Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson, a dynamic receiver tandem bolstered by the addition of the latter in free agency, there will constantly be yards available over the middle. And it just so happens that, dating back to his time at Florida State, Jameis Winston is at his best in that all-important area of the field.

Whether it's on crossers that take advantage of his athleticism after the catch, or seam routes that any linebacker or safety would be hard-pressed to cover, Howard could immediately emerge as a favorite target for the young quarterback.

Since 2000, a total of 26 tight ends have eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. That number jumps all the way up to 47 if we lower the bar to 900 yards.

Howard's ability, opportunity, and favorable role in an offense that has the makings of a high-powered passing attack gives him a chance to shatter rookie records and end up in that very range.

Even that kind of output may not be enough to challenge players at the more glorified positions for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, but putting himself among elite company in the history of his position wouldn't be such a bad consolation prize.

Howard should waste no time before establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker, becoming one of the rare tight ends to make a seamless transition to NFL stardom.

Fantasy owners can go ahead and draft accordingly.