The Bills are likely to once again have one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks this season, in no small part due to the presence of tight end Dawson Knox. The addition of veteran O.J. Howard behind him was seen as a move which would give the team quality depth, but things have not gone according to plan during training camp. 
The former Tampa first-rounder signed a one-year deal worth up to $5MM in Buffalo at the start of free agency. The contract had the potential to help him rebuild his value after a disappointing start to his career with the Buccaneers, and represented a significant investment in a player not slated to occupy the top spot on the depth chart. After his performances in practice and the preseason so far, however, the 27-year-old’s “hold on the backup job is not secure,” according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic (subscription required).
Howard played more snaps than any other depth options at the position during the team’s game against the Broncos, one which Knox was absent from. However, none of them came with quarterback Josh Allen or the other offensive starters on the field, a telling sign with respect to the impression he has made on the coaching staff. Buscaglia opines that his extended playing time later in the game may have been a matter of the Bills showcasing him to boost his trade stock.
The No. 19 pick in 2017, Howard has yet to record more than 34 receptions in a season. Behind Knox, he would be unlikely to eclipse that total, especially if he were to be overtaken on the depth chart by the likes of Quintin Morris or Tommy Sweeney. His usage in Buffalo’s final preseason contest could be telling with respect to his future with the team, something which appears to be far more in doubt than many would have expected during the spring.
Not sure he should have been drafted 19th. No pressure Kyle Pitts. But your draft stock shouldn’t stop you from working hard being coachable and maintaining your self lit fire. I wonder how many kids are used to just walking on to the field and being a better athlete is enough in there mind. As an SF fan I feel that way about Trey Sermon. Even though he was 3rd round. I think he just wanted to make game tape before practicing.
Kyle Pitts had more receptions his first season than OJ Howard had in his first two, and he was more than two years younger for his rookie year. Not sure why he’s catching shade here.
And Trey Sermon was just silly. Not that great in college, and why would you trade up to draft a RB in the Shanahan offense that’s been making random backs off the street look like stars for decades?