Alabama’s O.J. Howard, ArDarius Stewart shined in NFL Combine workouts

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During Saturday’s edition of on-field workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, two prominent offensive weapons from the University of Alabama managed to create separation from the pack.

In a position group that features Evan Engram, Jeremy Sprinkle, Bucky Hodges, Gerald Everett and David Njoku, O.J. Howard proved to scouts why he is the most NFL-ready tight end. The 6-foot-5, 251-pounder recorded a time of 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash, falling nine seconds behind Engram—who posted the fastest time of 4.42 seconds.

#NFLCombine Alabama TE OJ Howard 4.51 40-Yard Dash pic.twitter.com/ZymeNHr7Ew

— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) March 4, 2017

While he’s known for his athleticism, no one can question Howard’s strength. A former five-star recruit, the projected first-round target turned in 22 reps on the bench. Some media pundits cringed at his 30″ vertical; however, he quickly responded with a 10’1″ broad jump: a mark that tied him for seventh among tight ends.

#On-Field Drills #NFLCombine Alabama TE OJ Howard pic.twitter.com/XyE1yAenhM

— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) March 4, 2017

He doesn’t have the speed of John Ross (4.22 seconds) or leaping capabilities of Speedy Noil (43.5″ vert), nonetheless, ArDarius Stewart remains a hot commodity. His size and hand measurements were smaller than desired, but his pace in the 40-yard dash was on cue.

At 5-foot-11 and 204 pounds, Stewart put down 40 times of 4.49 and 4.51 seconds.

Alabama WR @neversleepon13 #UnOfficial 4.51 40-Yard Dash #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/5OJxln4SHf

— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) March 4, 2017

He provided a spark to a Tide’s offense under a true freshman quarterback. Stewart brought in a team-high 864 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 54 receptions during the 2016 season. He accounted for a 34″ vertical and a 10’3″ broad jump, to pair with crisp route running and strong hands during pass-catching drills.

Stewart projects to be selected between the second and third round the NFL Draft.

On-Field Drills #NFLCombine Alabama WR @neversleepon13 NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/L6eGMwii98

— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) March 4, 2017

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.