Tampa Bay Buccaneers top breakout players for 2018

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

O.J. Howard, Tight End

O.J. Howard was one of my personal favorite prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft class, and he did not disappoint as a rookie.

Despite playing in less than 56 percent of the Buccaneers’ offensive snaps (in 14 games), Howard finished the season with six receiving touchdowns at 16.6 yards per reception.

He was targeted just 39 times and caught 26 passes, meaning about one of every four receptions of his went for scores.

That type of efficiency isn’t likely to keep up with a higher volume of targets, but Howard proved he’s worthy of being a focal point in an offense that is loaded with playmakers in the passing game.

How can the Bucs not get this guy more involved?

Behind Mike Evans, it could be argued no single player should be targeted more than Howard.

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