Editor's note: The Falcons' 2017 schedule is comprised of AFC East and NFC North opponents as well as their traditional NFC South opponents. The series concludes today with Weeks 12 and 15 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Over the last two weeks I've taken a closer look at the Falcons' 2017 opponents – what they did during free agency, the NFL Draft, how all of the moves might affect these regular-season matchups – and it wraps up today with the Buccaneers.

Yes, it's still only June and so much will happen between now and when the Falcons square off against these teams on the field. But is it ever really too soon to start talking Falcons football and speculate about the much-anticipated 2017 season? Didn't think so. Click on the links below to read the previous reports.

And in case you were wondering, the Falcons kick off training camp in late July and their first preseason game is Aug. 10 in Miami against the Dolphins. The regular season begins Sept. 10 against the Bears in Chicago.

Scouting the Falcons schedule:

Next up:Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2016 record:9-7

All-time series record:Buccaneers lead, 24-23

Last meeting:Falcons won 43-28 on Nov. 3, 2016, in Tampa Bay

When they play in 2017:Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Atlanta and Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Tampa Bay

Best draft pick:Most NFL scouts and talent evaluators would agree that the Buccaneers came away with the No. 1 tight end in this class when they selected former Alabama star O.J. Howard 19th overall.

What makes Howard so good? He's fast, big and athletic enough to be a mismatch against most linebackers and defensive backs – and that will definitely help Jameis Winston and the Bucs' short and intermediate passing game. He's fast enough to get that all-important separation against linebackers and he's big enough to outmuscle most corners and safeties, especially in tight spaces.