The Alabama Crimson Tide have sent numerous players to the NFL over the past decade. They have dominated the college football scene with their high powered offense and dominating defense. Coach Saban prepares his players for the next level at every position. The NFL has seen several players have very productive NFL careers come out of Alabama. Could the next superstar come in the name of O’Terrius Jabari Howard?
In 2017, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected O.J. Howard in the first round. The Buccaneers needed someone to solidify the position with Cameron Brate. The Alabama product is a genetic freak when it comes to the position. Howard is 6’6 and weighs 251 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Howard can move, block, and catch. The NFL has very serviceable tight ends, but only a few that revolutionize the position. Howard could be mentioned in the same breath as Gronkowski, Graham, and Gonzalez by the end of his career.
In his rookie campaign, Howard put up respectable numbers (26 receptions, 432 yards, and 6 touchdowns). The Buccaneers don’t realize what they have in him, but offensive coordinator, Todd Monken will figure out how to incorporate him into the offense. The Buccaneers need Howard to take the next step in his progression to stand out in the NFC South. If Howard is the tight end that the Buccaneers thought he would be, then we could be looking at a historically good offense. It’s time to release the freak in Howard!