Jesus Martinez | Main Columnist
NFL Draft Reports (Tight Ends)
-Welcome to a new series where me and Chris Giraldo scout some of the best athletes in this years draft. As more and more information is given, we will update accordingly. Or maybe not. We are humans too. In this report we look at general information of a prospect, his off field history, strengths and weaknesses on the field, a summary and a draft projection. Without further ado, lets begin.
NFL SCOUTING REPORT: OJ HOWARD, UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
TIGHT END (#88)
Analysis by Jesus Martinez: Main Columnist of OTS 247
Name: OJ Howard 40 yard dash: 4.51
School: University of Alabama 20 yard/60 yard shuttle: 4.16 / 11.46
H&W: 6’6, 242 lbs. Bench Press: 22 reps
Year: Senior 3 cone drill: 6.85
Age: 22
Vert/Broad Jump: 30’ / 10’1
ON FIELD
STRENGTHS
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WEAKNESSES
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-Great size and build, exactly what you want your frame to be for this position as a prospect
-Freakishly athletic for his size
-Fast for 240 (4.5 in the combine)
-One of, if not the best blocking Tight End in this draft class
-Can do multiple tasks for any NFL Teams interested (Inline TE, but also played a bit in the H-Back and a split out)
-Good at reading coverages
-Clutch Factor in him (steps up in the biggest moments)
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-Isn’t featured much in the offense and is not used much in Bama’s offensive scheme (Primarily run first offense)
-Times in 2014/15 you would see him not block anyone on certain plays where he is assigned to block someone (This isn’t much of a weakness, as when he gets to the NFL, he can fix this problem)
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OFF FIELD
- No significant injuries or off field issues
- Off field rating is clean.
GRADES
Hands
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Route Running
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Athleticism
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Blocking
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Technique
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Effort
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7
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7
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9
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9
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6
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9
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Overall: 7.83
OVERVIEW:
OJ Howard has all the tools you are looking for in a Tight End. He has a tremendous frame, and looks the part of an NFL Prospect; an elite one at that. Not to mention, he has ridiculous athleticism for his size and great speed to burn. At 6’6, 242 pounds, NFL Teams won’t be afraid to throw fade routes to him when looking for a score, or win in a 1 v 1 jump ball situation. He wasn’t featured much in Alabama’s scheme at all, but don’t let that change the fact that he can’t be used in an NFL offense. He is a multi dimensional player who will satisfy any NFL team, he is good at reading coverages, and he can also block really well. He is arguably going to be the highest selected Tight End in the draft since Kellen Winslow (6th in 2004), and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Howard selected in the top 10. If he continues to strive for greatness and gets focused when he gets in the league, this kid is eventually going to be one of the top Tight Ends in the league.
DRAFT PROJECTION: TOP 10 PICK
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