Throughout the entire predraft process former Florida State running back Dalvin Cook’s name had been in connection with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for weeks. In light of Doug Martin’s PED suspension and unsettled situation many analysts and fans were almost certain that the Bucs would draft a running back in the first round and that there was a very good chance Cook could be the man. Instead, however, the Buccaneers chose to select Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, who was originally slated to be a top ten pick but fortunately fell right into the Buccaneers’ lap on Day 1.

Despite drafting Howard, however, Mark Cook of Pewterport.com has confirmed that the Bucs were in fact interested in Cook, but ultimately the decision came down to what made the most sense for the team.

“Dalvin Cook was definitely a player that was under strong consideration at No. 19 overall (PewterReport now knows that to be true),” Mark Cook wrote. “With that said, the Bucs had no choice really but to take O.J. Howard at no. 19 as they, like many teams had him as a Top 10 talent. But I can confirm they are extremely pleased with Howard and with second rounder Justin Evans.”

The move seemed to work out in Tampa Bay’s favor as the Bucs landed a tight end who is slated to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL. It also helps that he is a product of Nick Saban and one of the best teams in college football. Meanwhile, Doug Martin is looking great and appears to be on the right track which is good news for the running back corps and proves the Bucs made a solid decision when they opted to draft Howard in the first round.