O.J. Howard benefitting from Rob Gronkowski’s wisdom
O.J. Howard has a legendary tight end helping him in 2020.
O.J. Howard has had a slow start to his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2017 first-round pick has a combined 1,456 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first three years and hasn’t finished with more than 34 receptions in any season.
His team went out and got Rob Gronkowski this offseason and it seemed like Howard would be moved. But for one reason or another a trade never went through and the Bucs picked up his fifth-year option for 2021. Now he gets to work directly alongside Gronkowski on a daily basis and will have passes thrown to him by Tom Brady.
This new legendary duo joining the team has already had a positive impact on Howard.
In one on one’s today, O.J. Howard ran a brilliant out and up that left S D’Cota Dixon in the dust and running the opposite direction. Gronk and Brady have had a big impact on him throughout the offseason and in camp. It shows.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 24, 2020
O.J. Howard should have a breakout year
Chris Godwin and Mike Evans dominated the attention of Jameis Winston last season. Both receivers finished with well over 100 targets. Howard was targeted only 53 times and still ended up as the leading tight end in terms of receiving yards over Cameron Brate.
The entire offense should run much more efficiently with Brady under center. Winston did throw for 5,109 yards last season, but he also had 30 interceptions. Brady had a total of eight and his career-high in any given season is 14.
Howard’s youth may have make him a primary target over Gronkowski at tight end. The former WWE champion took a year off from football and got out of playing shape. He has the experience to help someone like Howard and being a mentor will make his impact on the offense that much more evident.
Next. Ronald Jones would be wise to listen to this advice. dark
Howard’s mind should be at ease after having his option picked up. He now knows a big season could lead to a contract extension and he just so happens to have Brady throwing him the football in 2020. Gronk will also be in his ear every day at practice and Howard can copy his every move. The entire Buccaneers organization is prepared for success this season and Howard may end up being the ultimate X-factor.