2017 BUCCANEERS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

TE O.J. Howard

Bucs TE O.J. Howard – Photo by: Getty Images

Howard lived up to his billing as the 19th overall pick with a good debut in Tampa Bay, catching 26 passes for 432 yards and a team-high 16.6-yard average. Howard’s six touchdowns tied Brate for the most on the team. The only thing that held Howard back from more production was head coach and play-caller Dirk Koetter, who seemed to forget about him in the game plan in certain games, including the New England game in which he was targeted just once and the New York Jets game in which no passes were thrown his way.

Howard missed the last two games after severely spraining his ankle on a 30-yard touchdown catch against Atlanta on Monday Night Football or he would have been even more productive. The Alabama native has the skill set become a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end and could overtake Brate for the starting job next year as he becomes a better route runner and demonstrates better ball security.
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS:
2016 DE Noah Spence
2015 QB Jameis Winston
2014 WR Mike Evans
2013 QB Mike Glennon

2012 LB Lavonte David

2011 DE Adrian Clayborn

2010 WR Mike Williams

2009 WR Sammie Stroughter

2008 CB Aqib Talib

2007 FS Tanard Jackson

2006 G Davin Joseph

2005 RB Cadillac Williams

2004 WR Michael Clayton

2003 CB Ronyell Whitaker

2002 FB Darian Barnes

2001 FS John Howell

2000 LB Nate Webster

1999 K Martin Gramatica

1998 LB Jamie Duncan

1997 RB Warrick Dunn and CB Floyd Young

1996 FB Mike Alstott and CB Donnie Abraham

1995* LB Derrick Brooks

*Indicates the first year that the award was given by PewterReport.com (formerly known as Buccaneer Magazine and BucMag.com in the 1990s)

On Wednesday, PewterReport.com will feature its 2017 Pewter Player Awards with more honors for the team’s other notable performers, including Most Improved Player and Most Disappointing Player awards.