"Prototype TE with raw talent with an all pro skill set but hasn't won consistently vs coverage and doesn't bring anything special as a receiver."
Kevin Cox Getty
Strengths
Good speed overall and a good burst off the line. Great hands. Good blocker in space and fundamentally sound inline. Tall with an enormous wingspan. Built like a receiving TE but has more experience blocking for the run game.
He's played big in big games and stood out during senior week practices. Tested through the roof at the combine. High character guy and carries himself like a veteran.
Weaknesses
Position at Bama was basically a glorified FB. Scarce production contradicts his skill set. Straight line speed but just adequate lateral quickness.
Nothing special after the catch despite good speed. Much better blocker on the move then inline at this point.
Overall
Howard’s the prototype TE and a rare complete TE coming out of college. He’s blessed with size, athletic ability, toughness and skill, yet was often nondescript on a talented run heavy Bama offense.
Offered up little production as a receiver but helped Bama's run game dominate. He's a raw talent with an all pro skill set but hasn't won consistently vs coverage and doesn't bring anything special as a receiver.
Howard’s lack of impact even inside Bama’s run heavy offense is problematic to me. But his impressive skill set and complete game are top ten caliber. For me that puts him late 1st but he’ll be taken much higher.
Pro Comparison: skinny Marcedes Lewis
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