O.J. Howard leads latest Denver Broncos mock draft
We take a look at the first three rounds of the up-coming 2017 NFL Draft, and project picks for the Denver Broncos starting with TE O.J. Howard of Alabama.
The Denver Broncos are going to be a team in search of some playmakers this offseason, and Alabama’s O.J. Howard could be just what the doctor ordered for an offense that desperately needs something.
More on that in a minute…
The Broncos finished among the league’s worst this past season at converting third downs, and it wasn’t just in the passing game. They were ineffective running the ball in third-and-short situations, and they were also miserable at putting the ball in the end zone when they were able to squeeze their way downfield and into the Red Zone.
There were obviously inconsistencies on the offensive line, poor play by the quarterbacks at times, and as a result, the Broncos struggled mightily on that side of the ball. So, we have a prescription. Here’s a three-round mock draft, including compensatory selections the Broncos are due thanks to the departures of Brock Osweiler and Malik Jackson…
First Round, 20th overall: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
After putting on a show in the National championship game, it’s clear that Howard is the type of difference maker the Broncos or any team would covet at the tight end position. Not only is he an excellent receiver and playmaker with the ball in his hands, he is able to play in-line and do the dirty work, showcasing his elite blocking skills in ‘Bama’s loss to Clemson.
Howard is 6-6 251 pounds, and was considered a top flight prospect at the end of last season who perhaps needed to add some weight to his frame. He looked like a grown man among boys at times against a talented Clemson defense.
If he’s sitting on the board with the 20th overall pick, I don’t know how the Broncos would be able to pass on him. They have some talented young tight ends in A.J. Derby and Jeff Heuerman, along with veteran Virgil Green, but no one capable of making as big of a difference as O.J. Howard.
This could be a bit of an emotional pick based on what we’ve just seen from Howard in the National title game, but he is certainly an excellent prospect worthy of this selection. He would add a dynamic element to the Broncos’ offense and would provide this team with a legitimate third option in the passing game they desperately need.