A faction of Bucs fans believes the team needs a tight end and would give a standing ovation if O.J. Howard or David Njoku were drafted by Tampa Bay in the first round.

Joe is certain there would be loud applause at One Buc Palace, too.

The Bucs scheduled visits with both players. Njoku, the University of Miami stud who is not regarded as highly as Howard, had a very interesting chat on CBS Sports Radio today.

He told the Tiki and Tierney show that his people are telling him he won’t be on the board at No. 19, when the Bucs are scheduled to pick.

“I’m being told a lot of stuff. I’m being told anywhere from the 8th pick to the 17th, 18th pick. I’m just ready to compete. I love competing.” And not just in the receiving game. Njoku loves getting after it in the run game, too. “I can’t wait for my first block,” the 6-4, 248-pounder said, “In practice, it might be a fight – because I’m ready to go.”

When Njoku talks about what he’s been “told,” he’s certainly referring to comments from his agent, team sources and others with insider knowledge. That’s surely not always accurate, but it’s interesting that the low end of his range doesn’t make him available at No. 19.

Joe is not in favor of the Bucs drafting a tight end. So if both go before the Bucs are on the clock, assuming there is no draft-day trade up, then that means the Bucs have a better shot of drafting a stud DE or running back.