The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have drafted tight end O.J. Howard with pick No. 19 in the 2017 NFL draft. Howard joins a tight end depth chart that includes Cameron Brate, Luke Stocker, Kivon Cartwright, and Alan Cross.
2017 NFL draft results: Fantasy implications of O.J. Howard to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have drafted tight end O.J. Howard in the 2017 NFL draft. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Standing 6’6, Howard could join the long line of star NFL tight ends who resemble an NBA player. He was not a primary receiver at Alabama, so his statistics are lacking for a player so highly regarded. But his height, speed, and pass-catching skills are obvious and coveted at the next level.
It should be noted that Howard’s two best games with the Crimson Tide came when they mattered most — against Clemson in consecutive national championships. In those two games, Howard combined for 314 yards and three touchdowns.
Fantasy impact: Howard is a great dynasty league option, but his short-term value is limited for the time being. Cameron Brate likely will retain the No. 1 tight end role initially, following a season of 57 receptions for 660 yards and eight touchdowns.
Howard will slowly work his way into the mix of what is turning into a very deep offense. In basic re-draft leagues, he is a backup option to stash until we see more from him.
