Green Bay Packers: O.J. Howard trade worth all-out pursuit
The Green Bay Packers need to unleash an all-out pursuit for an O.J. Howard trade after the Buccaneers landed Rob Gronkowski from New England.
Flashes from Jared Cook and the washed-up bones of Jimmy Graham were not answers for the Green Bay Packers at tight end. As the franchise searches for more weapons to put at Aaron Rodgers‘ disposal besides Davante Adams, many assume the Packers will select a tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft. But maybe Green Bay has a better option: O.J. Howard.
Howard, the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been the subject of trade rumors for several weeks. But the buzz that he could be moved ramped up tenfold on Tuesday as the Bucs lured Rob Gronkowski out of retirement and traded for the all-world tight end.
With Gronk joining Tom Brady in Tampa and with Cameron Brate on the roster as well, Howard seemingly becomes expendable. And as the Buccaneers conceded a fourth-round pick to get Gronkowski from New England, they could be looking to recoup that selection or something close to it.
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In the case of the Packers, they have been connected to Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet, who many consider the best prospect at the position in the 2020 draft class. However, Kmet is raw in his overall ability as a tight end — specifically as a blocker — in a relatively weak tight end class. What’s more, he’ll likely cost at least the No. 62 overall pick to bring to Green Bay.
Now that O.J. Howard’s trade value has been suppressed, though, it’s perfectly reasonable that the Packers could land him for a fourth- or fifth-round selection. Not only would they be getting a first-round talent at a position of need — at just 25 years old, no less — but they would retain their top-100 picks to address other areas on the roster to help them contend.
Prior to Bruce Arians’ arrival in Tampa last year, Howard seemed to be on the trajectory to become one of the league’s better tight ends. In his first two seasons and 24 games, he had 60 receptions for 997 yards and 11 touchdowns and was getting better. However, Arians’ lack of tight end usage in his offense ultimately led to him taking a step back, which seemingly shook the Alabama product’s confidence as well.
Green Bay needs to take advantage of the situation at hand, however. The Packers are in dire need of reliable bodies on offense to aid Rodgers in the passing game. Furthermore, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback has proven that he will utilize an athletic and versatile tight end of Howard’s ilk if they’re on the roster. He could be a hugely valuable addition.
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As the Packers have needs at wide receiver and linebacker that should be addressed early in the 2020 draft, trading for O.J. Howard may be in the best interest of Green Bay. He’s the most talented option at their disposal and, frankly, will cost less in terms of draft capital to acquire than inferior options.
If general manager Brian Gutekunst isn’t on the phone with the Bucs trying to make this deal happen right now, the Packers front office is simply dropping the ball.