FanPost

The Experimental Project: The OJ Howard Affect

Ahh. The smell of the NFL Combine coming to a end and where statistical value is one'smost prized possession. Now it's about creating the most realistic Mock Draft for each team in the League. But especially drawing up a clever draft that will make the Titans younger, stronger, and better at each weak position. Thanks to the power of social media to empower their opposing will to make other NFL rookie prospects seem like the most hyped position player in the history of the NFL.

There's one player that maybe around 35% of Music City Miraclewants the #5 pick for OJ Howard. OJ Howard posted a pretty impressive athleticism test and statistical information on his Combine numbers. But, is he really worth his Combine numbers, college film, and the surrounding hype to make him a candidate for the 5th pick in the Draft. Let's elaborate.

Let's do a background check on OJ Howard. One must recognize that his OC during his tenure at Bama was the infamous Vols Killer. Lane Kiffin. Throughout most of Howard's playing time on offense dealt with run blocking, pass blocking, or was mostly used in the receiving as a crafty weapon for the Crimson Tide on important 3rd possession plays against playoff teams or big named rivals. The Alabama Offense is initially crafted to a specific offensive scheme to fit both the dynamic running game and style of offense ran by a hybrid between Nick Saban and the OC. Why was OJ Howard's collegiate production was unimpressive? From my observation on watching him in games played, he's definitely a situationalplayer who is clutch in the big moments. Yet, people think he is designed to fail at the NFL level. Maybe. But you have to realize Bama's offense during his time relied on the running game, dynamic players at the WR such as Stewart could be a combo RB/WR set player package. I'd even make the argument that both OJ Howard and Calvin Ridley were both Bama's best receivers. Stewart made every possible 3rd down conversion from a far. He was the dynamic playmaker. Lane Kiffin tried to establish the passing game, but by the fact Alabama over OJ Howard's career had Blake Sims, Jake Coker, and Jalen Hurts. Out of the group, Jake Coker was the main pocket passer. The other two played like Tim Tebow time. Jalen is special. He's a similar prospect like Josh Dobb or Trevor Knight. Hell, he's impressive. But his inconsistent passing game is a reason to blame for Bama's NC loss. I'm not trying to knock the QB play, but the way Bama's offensive scheme was setup allowed more freedom out the backfield for running backs, half back, and rotational players at the RB/WR to play both. TE is essential a nice asset to have on that offense.

Is OJ Howard worth the #5 pick? No. There are too many important areas to consider before we establish true to a TE at our first pick. Despite TE being a important area for the future. The draft class for tight-ends is deep deep deep like the vast universe. Depending on the hype impact on GMs, Howard is projected a Top 15 player. But don't be surprised if David from Miami is the first TE selected. The best fit for Howard would be... I'm going to regret this decision but the less likeable New York Giants aka the former NY Titans. Yuck. But I believe New York is the best fit for him. If Howard falls into our lap at 18, I'd say pull the damn trigger or evaluate the remaining players on the board.

Please understand that this is simply how I've observed the plays from Howard's films.