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Denver Broncos 2017 NFL Draft Primer

By Sayre Bedinger

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos executive vice president of operations John Elway speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos executive vice president of operations John Elway speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball while guarded by Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball while guarded by Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Howard is, simply put, the best tight end I have scouted coming out of college. Of course, I’ve only been scouting the draft for about 10 years now, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’ve never seen anyone with a more complete skillset coming out.

As a blocker, Howard is phenomenal. He’s basically an extension of the offensive line. And that’s not only in the running game, either. Howard showed an ability to pass protect a little bit, but you won’t see him doing it often.

The reason for that is, he’s a phenomenal receiver. At 6-6, 250 pounds, Howard runs extremely well and is excellent after the catch. He’s sure-handed, and has great vision as a runner when the ball is in his hands.

There’s nothing this young man doesn’t do very well. The Alabama offense flowed through him. Wherever Howard was, the play was likely to go also. If the Broncos were able to get Howard (which may be incredibly unlikely at this point), he would be a serious upgrade to both the run and pass game.

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