The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have number 12 at the helm of their offense now, and that might lead to more "12" personnel on the field in 2020.
That's TB12, of course, also known as Tom Brady or simply the G.O.A.T. Brady chose the Buccaneers in free agency after 20 years with the Patriots, and subsequently his old New England pal Rob Gronkowskichose to come out of retirement and play in Tampa, too. The result is a tight end room that is loaded with speed, size, athleticism and – most of all – potential. Gronkowski joins O.J. Howard and Cameron Brateas a trio of proven producers at the position, and the Bucs also have attractive depth in Antony Auclair, Tanner Hudson and Codey McElroy.
With all of that tight end talent, the Buccaneers will likely utilize their 12 packages more – that's a grouping of one back, two receivers and two tight ends. Head Coach Bruce Arians has already said he anticipates using that package more than he did in 2019, when the Bucs were in 12 personnel on 20% of their snaps. That was actually a bit above the league average in terms of frequency or use, but it will likely go higher this year. The reason: With two or three of those tight ends on the field at the same time, opposing defenses are going to have difficulty choosing what kind of personnel to put on their side to counteract them.
"We definitely are going to have opportunities to make plays," said Howard. "We've got a room full of talent, mismatches, guys all over the board. I think Coach [Arians] and [Offensive Coordinator] Byron [Leftwich] are going to do a great job of just putting us in positions to make plays.
View some of the photos from Buccaneers Training Camp practice at the AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Mazzi Wilkins #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Parnell Motley #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Safety Antoine Winfield #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Herb Miller #28 and Cornerback Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver John Franklin #5 and Wide Receiver John Hurst #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Cyril Grayson #15 and Cornerback Herb Miller #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Ronald Jones II #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver John Hurst #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Reid Sinnett #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Safety Antoine Winfield #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Antony Auclair #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Safety Javon Hagan #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back T.J. Logan #22 and Safety Andrew Adams #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Defensive Tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Bryant Mitchell #16 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Dare Ogunbowale #44 and Safety D'Cota Dixon #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Codey McElroy #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back T.J. Logan #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Jack Cichy #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Outside Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Cyril Grayson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Cyril Grayson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver John Franklin #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Justin Watson #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Carlton Davis #24 and Wide Receiver Jaydon Mickens #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver John Hurst #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Dare Ogunbowale #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Jack Cichy #48 and Wide Receiver Bryant Mitchell #16 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Justin Watson #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Justin Watson #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver John Franklin #5 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Cornerback Herb Miller #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Outside Linebacker Kahzin Daniels #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tight End Codey McElroy #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Defensive Lineman Khalil Davis #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Defensive Lineman Benning Potoa'e #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Center Ryan Jensen #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 and Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back LeSean McCoy #25 and Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Ronald Jones II #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Defensive Tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Outside Linebacker Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Dare Ogunbowale #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Dare Ogunbowale #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Ke'Shawn Vaughn #30 and Safety Andrew Adams #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Wide Receiver Justin Watson #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Dare Ogunbowale #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Running Back Dare Ogunbowale #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Guard Ali Marpet #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Head Coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Safety Antoine Winfield #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 17, 2020 - Head Coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after day 12 of 2020 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"Just being on the field with [Gronkowski], us together has been a big mismatch. It's hard to cover a lot of guys like that when we're on the field together – it's just hard to stop that. It's going to open up a lot of things for everyone and I think it should be real fun."
Gronkowski is 6-6 and around 260 pounds and it's almost unfair that he can both work the seams and run through defenders like a wrecking ball. Howard is 6-6 and 250 and possesses top-end speed for the position. He, too, can make big plays down the field. Brate is 6-5 and 245 and has been one of the NFL's best red zone threats for the past four years.
The Bucs have the talent and they have creative offensive minds to utilize it. What they didn't have in 2019 was outstanding production from the tight end position. Howard started the season slowly and finished with 34 catches and 459 yards, his yards per game dropping by 42% from 2018. Brate had a few more catches (35) but fewer yards (311), though he did score another six touchdowns. But that tight end room didn't have Gronkowski last year and it also didn't have as good of a grasp on the offense as it does now.
Howard says that Gronkowski has already helped out his new tight end teammates with tips on footwork in the run game and how to refine certain routes. That will help, but the bigger difference is likely to come from the mental progression.
"I think the biggest thing for O.J. was just learning what we're trying to teach," said Arians. "That's a very difficult position in this scheme and he's come in and he's got a great handle on it right now. I think Rob's helped him confidence-wise – seeing how good he is and telling him how good he is. When you've got a guy like Gronkowski and Brady telling you you're good, you're probably pretty good. I think that's helped, but he's playing really, really well right now."
Howard admits that the tight end's responsibilities in the new offense were difficult to absorb, but that process is now behind him.
"It's always a tough position in a lot of offenses from the different things they ask you to do in the position," he said. "But here, like coach said, it was kind of a different level taken to it with some of the things we had to learn in the offense. Last year it took some getting used to. Year Two has slowed down for everyone in our room. … Year Two, like I said, is a lot simpler. It makes a lot more sense and now it's making sense to all of us in the room."
And that could make problems for opposing defenses when the Bucs have 12 and 12 on the field in 2020.
