Make way for all quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, as groups four, five and six arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday and weighed in today—before Saturday’s on-field workouts.
Former Alabama standout O.J. Howard was among the biggest tight ends, joining Pharaoh Brown (Oregon Ducks), Jake Butt (Michigan Wolverines) and Bucky Hodges (Virginia Tech Hokies) at 6’5″ and taller.
O.J. Howard’s measurements from NFL Combine weigh in
Height: 6-5 ¾”
Weight: 251 pounds
Hand size: 10″
Wingspan: 80 5/8″
Career outlook at Alabama
A five-star prospect from Pratteville (Ala.), O.J. Howard signed in the Crimson Tide’s top-ranked 2013 recruiting class. Despite showing immense potential as a true freshman—14 catches, 269 yards, two touchdowns—patience and the push to develop into a complete player would limit his production in 2014.
Howard was targeted more during his junior and senior seasons. He collected 38 and 45 catches respectively in 2015 and 2016, while totaling 1,197 receiving yards and five touchdowns combined in both years.
His performances versus Clemson in the College Football Playoff national title game will be remembered as legendary. In both matchups, Howard broke loose for 314 yards and three touchdowns on nine receptions.
As a physical target, his career ended with 114 catches for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns. Under the watchful eye of coach Nick Saban, Howard improved as a run blocker throughout his tenure. He assisted running back Derrick Henry to 2,219 yards and 28 scores in 2015, en route to winning the Heisman Trophy.
As for 2016, Howard cleared the way for four 500-plus yard rushers and a 1,000-yard back in rising junior Damien Harris (1,037, two scores). He helped quarterback Jalen Hurts total four 100-yard rushing performances and an overall output of 943 yards with 13 touchdowns.
Projection for 2017 NFL Draft
The three-time Southeastern Conference champion (2014-16) and CFP national champion (2015) was given a grade of 6.51 from NFL.com. Howard’s mark suggests that he will make a “good NFL starter with Pro Bowl potential.” He’s being compared to Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas: a two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection (2013, 2014) with the Denver Broncos. Howard is listed as the 11th overall prospect and top-ranked tight end in this year’s draft class, according to CBS Sports’ NFL Draft Tracker.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
