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Check The Film: O.J. Howard Scouting Report, Analysis, Breakdown
An O.J. Howard scouting report, analysis, and breakdown, as Campus Insiders takes a closer look at the film from the Alabama Crimson Tide's star tight end.
March 21, 2017
An O.J. Howard scouting report, analysis, and breakdown, as Campus Insiders takes a closer look at the film from the Alabama Crimson Tide’s star tight end.
O.J. Howard’s Measurables
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 251 lbs
- Position: Tight End
- College: Alabama Crimson Tide
- Arm Length: 33 3/4″
- Hand Size: 10″
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.51 seconds
- Vertical: 30″
- Broad Jump: 121″
- Bench: 22 reps
- Shuttle: 4.16 seconds (20-yard), 11.46 seconds (60-yard)
- Three-Cone: 6.85 seconds
O.J. Howard’s Strengths
He has all the athleticism and potential in the world, and could easily be an All-Pro tight end once he gets to the league. O.J. Howard has next-level size, speed, and acceleration, and those physical traits are matched with refined pass-catching skills. With cushion, he releases off the line extremely quickly and has exceptional route-running skills. Arguably the most impressive part of Howard’s game is his ability to find space on intermediate routes. That’s a key attribute for any tight end, especially when the defense is in a zone scheme.
Of course, all of those skills would be useless if he couldn’t corral the ball, but that isn’t the case. Howard has some of the most secure hands in the entire draft class. If the ball is put out in front of him and hits him in stride, he’s snatching it out of the air with two hands. Once he reels it in, he’s turning up field with eyes set on the end zone. Alabama often sent him on delayed releases to the flats, and he was very dangerous when he got the ball, as he has the footwork and burst to catch, turn and get up the field.
O.J. Howard’s Weaknesses
There is one major flaw that needs to be tweaked, and it’s more of a mental issue than anything else. When you have a guy with all that size, power, and speed, he should be able to provide more of a threat as a blocker. It’s plain and simple. Run blocking is about effort, and Howard was inconsistent in that area. There were times when he used those physical tools and really paved a lane for his tailback, but then there were occasions when he’d shove and stall. He should be locking in, getting under his target’s pads and driving his man all the way through and into the turf.
Another weakness that pops off the screen is his lack of balance. There were too many times when Howard would absorb a hit and drop to the ground. He’s tall, sure, but that doesn’t mean he has to run straight up with an upright torso. Howard needs to get his upper body more involved when running after the catch, because catching the ball five yards out isn’t going to do much good if he’s going to be dropped on first contact.
Scheme Fits
There is absolutely no question Howard is worth a first-round pick. Tight ends with his abilities don’t come around very often. And we have to ignore the statistical production he had in college because of the system he was in. Line Howard up out wide or keep him inside with a three-point stance. Either way, he’ll make an impact in the passing game.
Jacksonville could certainly use a player like Howard at No. 4 overall, but the Jaguars have many needs. New Orleans will most likely stay on the defensive side of the ball at No. 11 overall, though the Saints could get back what they lost when they traded Jimmy Graham and give Drew Brees another big-time weapon. Ultimately, the two teams that Howard makes the most sense for in the first round are Indianapolis (No. 15 overall) and Tampa Bay (No. 19 overall). The Colts shipped Dwayne Allen to New England this offseason, and the Buccaneers cut ties with Austin Seferian-Jenkins last year.
Games Watched For Scouting
- Kent State (W 48-0) – 9/24/16
- Texas A&M (W 33-14) – 10/22/16
- Auburn (W 30-12) – 11/26/16
