2016 NFL Draft Scouting Notes: O.J Howard, TE, Alabama

2016 NFL Draft Scouting Notes: O.J Howard, TE, Alabama
By Lijah Spencer
Tonight we go back to the offensive side of the ball for scouting notes and begin looking at a few of the Tight End prospects for this upcoming season. As always these notes are based off from last year’s game film and will be followed by the full scouting report once I see film from multiple games from this upcoming season. Here are my notes:

O.J Howard. TE. 6’6. 242 lbs. Alabama. Junior

The Positives

1) Howard has good speed

2) Possesses good catching ability

3) A very athletic TE

The Negatives

1) Needs to become more physical in his run blocking

2) Sometimes runs complacent routes

Rated as the #6 TE to watch this upcoming season by NFL.COM, Howard possesses the size and raw talent needed to become a playmaker at the TE position. He has good enough speed to threaten the seam of the field, and has good catching ability to make the play. He also shows the ability to break a tackle, and run through some would be tacklers. His route running can leave something to be desired though as he doesn’t always run them with conviction or optimum effort, and he needs to become more physical in his run blocking. His freshman and sophomore year were statically ok at best, as he needs to become more consistent game in and game out. Howard is still a young guy, just going into his junior year, and he has the time and skills to improve, if he does we may see him start to climb the draft boards, and if he doesn’t he can always return to school for his senior year.