Fantasy Football 2017: Top 5 rookie tight end fits

2. O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Howard is a 1a in this scenario – not far behind the player at number one. Both of them have outstanding potential early in their careers. At number 19, Howard was the first tight end off the board in the NFL draft, and the Bucs have found themselves an all-round tight end who could be a centerpiece on offense for years to come.

Despite lacking college production to show (only 114 catches, 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns in 46 games over four years), he’s the real deal. He has ideal height (6-foot-6), weight (251 pounds) and finished among the top performers in the 40 yard dash, bench press, three cone drill, and both the 20 and 60 yard shuttles. He checks all the boxes as an athlete.

Don’t be fooled by Howard’s low usage at Alabama. He’ll get plenty of opportunities in one of the best offenses a tight end could be drafted into. With Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson on the outside and Jameis Winston throwing him the ball, Howard could absolutely take off in year one as he dominates single coverage. The only reason he settles behind the top player on this list is due to the presence of Cameron Brate, the veteran tight end. While Brate’s talent is inferior to Howard and the team could even use multiple tight end ends, his presence likely keeps the rookie off the field on some occasions. Either way, Howard’s a player I’ll gladly target in drafts.