The 2017 NFL Draft takes place April 27-29 this year, and as it stands, the Tennessee Titans have two first round draft picks. General manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Mularkey currently hold the 5th overall selection and the 18th overall selection. Over the next few weeks, your boy Big Natural will be taking a look at some of the prospects rumored to be tied to or make sense for the Titans.
The most glaring need on offense is a flat out playmaker. Many just assume that means the Titans need a wide receiver, but that’s not the case. There happens to be a tight end by name of OJ Howard out of Alabama in this year’s draft class. Clemson fans certainly know him, but in case you need a refresher, some scouts have called him the next Jimmy Graham.
It’s a lofty comparison, but he fits the bill. Howard is a good “hands” tight end with tremendous athleticism that can run good routes and burn linebackers. He looks like the quintessential receiving tight end in today’s NFL. But, he’s also demonstrated good body control that has his reliability stock up.
Howard’s finest moment came during the 2016 National Championship game versus Clemson:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SfBCKv3NeI]
He finished with two touchdowns and 208 yards on just five receptions. Against a good Tigers defense, that’s pretty staggering.
The former Crimson Tide product would be a tremendous asset in the red zone, which we already established in this column was an area the Titans excelled at last season. In fact, no one in the NFL was better. Given Robinson’s propensity to load up on players that fit the Titans philosophy, he could see value in making the dangerous Titans red zone offense lethal.
There are a couple of major criticisms of Howard, though. First, he doesn’t exactly have an intimidating physique. His size (around 6’6″ and ~250 pounds) doesn’t supply him with overbearing power. That being said, his run-blocking improved over the course of the 2016 season. That’s going to be seen as a coaching opportunity in the NFL.
Second, some have raised concerns over his usage at Alabama. Could Lane Kiffin not figure out how to get him the ball regularly? Or, was he not putting in the work throughout practice to appease Lord Saban and earn a prime role in the game? I’m not stating that as true. I’m just stating that the criticism from scouts exists, and I don’t have any reliable sources inside the NFL to negate that as false. So, for the time being, it’s there. It is what it is.
The Titans’ need for a tight end can be debated. But, the need for some sort of boost in the vertical passing game is evident. Howard would fill that role. As Delanie Walker continues to age, the realization that he’s getting closer to retirement each year should set in. Howard could become the heir to the throne.
Or, at the very least, Howard would provide quality depth and would be afforded the opportunity to ease into a starting role. Regardless, they’ll need to address depth at tight end at some point in the draft after losing Anthony Fasano to the Miami Dolphins.
The potential of what Howard could become is something that every NFL team is searching for. His addition certainly wouldn’t hinder the Titans.
Bottom line: you won’t find such a mismatch-creating, athletic freak at the tight end position elsewhere in this draft. Howard could provide the dynamic needed on the Titans offense without over-drafting a wide receiver.
Catch up on previous first round option reports:
Jamal Adams
Marshon Lattimore
Mike Williams
Stoney Keeley is the editor of the SoBros Network and covers the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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