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5 NFL rookies poised to shine in 2017 regular season

By Zach Goodall

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Corey Davis (Western Michigan) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 5 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Corey Davis (Western Michigan) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 5 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

2. O.J. Howard, TE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One of the better tight end prospects in recent memory, O.J. Howard is one of the several weapons the Buccaneers added this offseason for Jameis Winston to utilize.

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The Bucs stacked their wide receiver core, headlined by Mike Evans, in adding DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin in free agency and in the third round, respectively. With Howard rounding out Tampa Bay’s passing game weaponry, Jameis Winston should put up All-Pro numbers this year.

Howard will not put up Rob Gronkowski-like numbers with this many weapons around him. However, his value in both the pass game and as a run blocker will not go unnoticed. He was heavily used as a blocker during his time at Alabama and displayed his ball skills and route running at the 2017 Senior Bowl.

I’m shocked Howard fell to the Buccaneers with the 19th pick. Now, the Buccaneers have what looks to be a generational tight end prospect on their roster. For an offense that needed new dimensions a year ago, Howard provides that at tight end and has the tools to shine in putting them on display.

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