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Tide’s Howard could be next great tight end
By MIKE McLAIN
There’s one category in which O.J. Howard might lead all other prospects available in the NFL draft.
In terms of upside potential, the Alabama tight end might is loaded with it. Used more often as a blocker in the Crimson Tide’s read-option offense than in the passing game, Howard has an opportunity to thrive if he lands in an offense that will find a way to make use of his considerable skills as a pass catcher.
There certainly isn’t a shortage of offenses in the NFL that use the tight end as the focal point of the passing game. Given Howard’s size (6-6, 237) and speed (4.51 in the 40 at the NFL combine), he could easily develop into a favorite target of a quarterback that likes to make use of the mismatches Howard will face against many linebackers and safeties.
Howard started four season in Alabama, finishing with 114 career receptions. He had a career-high 45 catches last season for 595 yards and three touchdowns.
What stood out most was Howard’s run blocking. According to Pro Football Focus, he had the highest grade in that area among all tight ends in 2016. He was adept on the edge on outsie runs.
Given all that Howard can add to an offense, he’s expected to be a top-15 pick. Howard takes pride in being a player that doesn’t need to leave the field. He should have an instant impact.
“I think right way,” Howard said at the combine. “I feel I’m intelligent enough to come in and learn the playbook right away. I’m a guy that’s going to work hard, and that’s what it takes.”
The lack of chances in the passing game wasn’t a problem for one of the draft’s highest-ranked receivers – Corey Davis of Western Michigan. All Davis did in four seasons was accumulate 5,285 yards and 52 touchdown on 332 receptions
Davis excels in making use of double moves and in creating separation. He’s not overly physical and did have 11 drops last season.
The fact Davis didn’t play for a Power Five program shouldn’t hinder his stock. One concern is with an ankle sprain that prevented him from working out at the combine and his pro day.
The lack of competition factor isn’t mentioned as much as it was in the past. Davis can not that the talented Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers has carved a decent career after coming out of Central Michigan.
“I was actually was just talking about him not too long ago,” Davis said. “All the adversity he’s faced and everything he’s overcame is huge. It gives me and people like me a lot of hope just looking at someone like that. He’s definitely someone I look up to.”
Clemson receiver Mike Williams is one of those big targets that make a quarterback’s eyes light up. At 6-5 and 205 pounds, he has the ability to get the best of smaller defenders on deep fade routes. While his speed will never be great, his 4.49 time in the 40 is more than adequate for a player of his size.
Williams is able to point to many successful NFL receivers that didn’t come out of college with great 40 times.
“Jerry Rice didn’t run a fast time,’ Williams said. “Antonio Brown didn’t run a fast time. He’s the highest-paid receiver in the league right now. It’s all about just playing football if you look at it at the end of the day.”
Williams had 99 receptions for 1,364 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. It was trult a comeback season after having mising all but one game of the 2016 season with a neck injury.
Williams didn’t hurt his stcok with a strong showing against Alabama in Clemson’s 2016 national championship win.
There’s a noticeable dropoff after Davis and Williams. John Ross of Washington is a possibile late first-round choice.