[News] 2017 Draft Profile: TE O.J. Howard

[BR News]

The Alabama product is an ultra-smooth athlete who was underutilized in the Crimson Tide offense. He has a dynamic pairing of size, speed and playmaking ability. His ability to block is the biggest question.

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[whobilly]

WR or Edge Rusher. Thank You.

[scott.donaho@yahoo.com]

We better not draft a tight end in the first or second round.

[Steve32]

Don't need another TE, especially another one that can't block!

[Flamengo1265]

Is Mornhinweg planning on using 5 TE formations next year?

[omar586]

no way we draft another TE, we have like 10 on the roster, we need passrushers, OL, CBs

[Ravenous_Ravens]

It is difficult to think OJ Howard will become a raven come draft day. They already have too many as is and have paid for big for two of them. Should he be drafted I would expect them to release Watson most likely since Pitta already restructured his contract.

IMHO drafting a TE in the first round should mean they can do everything asked. Not being a good blocker is trouble to me. That means he cannot be relied upon to stay on the field and that slows the pace down when having to substitute and also gives the defense a chance to sub as well and regroup.

[KidNme]

I could see us taking a TE this draft but not in the first 3 rounds although, this guy does seem like a "Play maker". His lack of great blocking skills probably is more of a "play maker, wanting to be a play maker. Not necessarily a very bad thing if he's that dangerous when he gets his hands on the ball.

[billiejean]

Why does Ryan do this? Very unlikely we take this guy. He did another profile which talked about Zach Banner in the 4th round. The guy is terrible but Ryan seemed to be impressed with his 370 pound frame. Lets get realistic. At least this will make Chuckxx9 happy. This ones for you Chuck.

[Chuckx999]

Well this Chuck says trade up and get this ( Howard ) guy!!!! How many good and healthy TE's do we have, NONE. Pitta only catches a lot of balls from his buddy the QB so he gets his insentive pay. Most are 3, 4 or 5 yard passes. We need a TE that can run the seams for 15, 20, 25 yards or more, a Todd Heap type.
TRADE UP!!!!

[bigcatfrank1]

This guy needs to lose 15-25 pounds and maybe gain a few seconds of speed. At a 4.54 maybe he drops that to a 4.49. He would be a better suited as a WR in the NFL than TE if he can't block in college he certainly will struggle as a TE in the NFL. I wonder if at WR he could be a Marshal, Fitzgerald, Green, Jones or Jordy Nelson type of guy. But I think he needs to shed some weight. He could make himself one the tallest WR in the NFL.

[bigcatfrank1]

This guy needs to lose 15-25 pounds and maybe gain a few seconds of speed. At a 4.54 maybe he drops that to a 4.49. He would be a better suited as a WR in the NFL than TE if he can't block in college he certainly will struggle as a TE in the NFL. I wonder if at WR he could be a Marshal, Fitzgerald, Green, Jones or Jordy Nelson type of guy. But I think he needs to shed some weight. He could make himself one the tallest WR in the NFL.

So if he commits to drop some weight, he is available at 16 and the Ravens commit to make him a WR day one. I would take the kid. If he improves in blocking and later in his career the weight will be harder to keep off, he could move to TE/Slot/WR

Could you see as a play "set formation "-
Wallace WR - middle 5 - Pitta TE- Howard SLOT - Perriman WR - Flacco and Woodhead RB (single set ) in the backfield? Some call this a 2 tight end formation and it can be considered that because Pitta or Howard could go in motion and/or move to opposite sides. The difference is having 2 bigger, slower TE's, the Slot receiver is eliminated in most cases. WIth Howard as a Slot WR he utilizes his speed to be a big threat downfield,( aka Boldin, T Davis, Sterling)

This is definitely possible. Of course it means Joe has multiple plays at his disposal from this set formation: Quick Run, roll out, stretch, quick line pass, Screen, Draw, Deep crossing and middle slot. This is what NE does, if Garoppolo can do it Joe has got to be able to do it, he doesn't have to be Tom baby

In fact Waller is a perfect example of the same hybrid WR/TE/SLOT The Ravens could honestly make Howard and Waller the same type multi Slot receivers, and have this kid learn the playbook heavy to that style of pass play selection. Thus they have 2 Slot/WR/TE who can perform the same exact pass plays with excellent execution. Both can move downfield as WR, that is a big value.

it leaves the depth players for the same formation of Moore WR, Waller WR/ Slot /TE, Boyle TE, Gilmore TE ,Campanaro WR/Slot and Dixon RB even West RB. Here in lies the ability to use the bench in disguising the play from the same set.

The Ravens need to use the same base formation and adjust on the field to run multiple plays. Obviously using multiple base set formations is a must, however disguising and deceptive ability will be an advantage, this would be just one of the base formations.

But hey, guess you are glad im not coach.

[rossihunter2]

8 hours ago, Steve32 said:

Don't need another TE, especially another one that can't block!

I agree I don't want another tight end but oj Howard is a very good blocker

[reddog54]

I can't believe anyone within the Ravens would be looking for another tight end! Why are we wasting time on something we don't need....lets get focused! this article is a total waste of time!!!!!!!!!

[Some Dumb Fan]

Wouldn't surprise me!

In fact I think this is one of the reasons we have not released Watson yet. Bottom line. Max is a bust. Waller is average. Gilmore is an average blocker only. Boyle showed promise but off the field issues. None of these names are game changers. However, if pair Pitta with Howard that will be a serious problem for any defense with speed at WR!

Pros
We need to control the middle of the field by a slot WR or TE. Howard would be featured in the slot alot with Pitta on the field spreading out linebackers for our run game.

A serious redzone threat!

Save 4-5 mil by cutting Watson.

[n#7]

Wouldn't surprise me!

In fact I think this is one of the reasons we have not released Watson yet. Bottom line. Max is a bust. Waller is average. Gilmore is an average blocker only. Boyle showed promise but off the field issues. None of these names are game changers. However, if pair Pitta with Howard that will be a serious problem for any defense with speed at WR!

Pros
We need to control the middle of the field by a slot WR or TE. Howard would be featured in the slot alot with Pitta on the field spreading out linebackers for our run game.

A serious redzone threat!

Save 4-5 mil by cutting Watson.

Cons
We need other positions addressed well before TE.

[billiejean]

Wouldn't surprise me!

In fact I think this is one of the reasons we have not released Watson yet. Bottom line. Max is a bust. Waller is average. Gilmore is an average blocker only. Boyle showed promise but off the field issues. None of these names are game changers. However, if pair Pitta with Howard that will be a serious problem for any defense with speed at WR!

Pros
We need to control the middle of the field by a slot WR or TE. Howard would be featured in the slot alot with Pitta on the field spreading out linebackers for our run game.

A serious redzone threat!

Save 4-5 mil by cutting Watson.

I would be prepared to be surprised. There isn't one legitimate point in your cons list.

[billiejean]

  13 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

This guy needs to lose 15-25 pounds and maybe gain a few seconds of speed. At a 4.54 maybe he drops that to a 4.49. He would be a better suited as a WR in the NFL than TE if he can't block in college he certainly will struggle as a TE in the NFL. I wonder if at WR he could be a Marshal, Fitzgerald, Green, Jones or Jordy Nelson type of guy. But I think he needs to shed some weight. He could make himself one the tallest WR in the NFL.

So if he commits to drop some weight, he is available at 16 and the Ravens commit to make him a WR day one. I would take the kid. If he improves in blocking and later in his career the weight will be harder to keep off, he could move to TE/Slot/WR

Could you see as a play "set formation "-
Wallace WR - middle 5 - Pitta TE- Howard SLOT - Perriman WR - Flacco and Woodhead RB (single set ) in the backfield? Some call this a 2 tight end formation and it can be considered that because Pitta or Howard could go in motion and/or move to opposite sides. The difference is having 2 bigger, slower TE's, the Slot receiver is eliminated in most cases. WIth Howard as a Slot WR he utilizes his speed to be a big threat downfield,( aka Boldin, T Davis, Sterling)

This is definitely possible. Of course it means Joe has multiple plays at his disposal from this set formation: Quick Run, roll out, stretch, quick line pass, Screen, Draw, Deep crossing and middle slot. This is what NE does, if Garoppolo can do it Joe has got to be able to do it, he doesn't have to be Tom baby

In fact Waller is a perfect example of the same hybrid WR/TE/SLOT The Ravens could honestly make Howard and Waller the same type multi Slot receivers, and have this kid learn the playbook heavy to that style of pass play selection. Thus they have 2 Slot/WR/TE who can perform the same exact pass plays with excellent execution. Both can move downfield as WR, that is a big value.

it leaves the depth players for the same formation of Moore WR, Waller WR/ Slot /TE, Boyle TE, Gilmore TE ,Campanaro WR/Slot and Dixon RB even West RB. Here in lies the ability to use the bench in disguising the play from the same set.

The Ravens need to use the same base formation and adjust on the field to run multiple plays. Obviously using multiple base set formations is a must, however disguising and deceptive ability will be an advantage, this would be just one of the base formations.

But hey, guess you are glad im not coach.

Are you being serious Frank ? Cmon man this is just not a realistic assessment here. Why in the world would he commit to losing weight? The vast majority of TEs that come into the league need work on their blocking. Corey Davis runs a 4.8 forty. Mike Williams runs a 4.54. OJ runs a 4.51. What would be the purpose behind asking this guy to drop weight. He is just as fast as the top WRs in this years class. And what is the middle 5.

[bigcatfrank1]

  15 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

  16 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

This guy needs to lose 15-25 pounds and maybe gain a few seconds of speed. At a 4.54 maybe he drops that to a 4.49. He would be a better suited as a WR in the NFL than TE if he can't block in college he certainly will struggle as a TE in the NFL. I wonder if at WR he could be a Marshal, Fitzgerald, Green, Jones or Jordy Nelson type of guy. But I think he needs to shed some weight. He could make himself one the tallest WR in the NFL.

So if he commits to drop some weight, he is available at 16 and the Ravens commit to make him a WR day one. I would take the kid. If he improves in blocking and later in his career the weight will be harder to keep off, he could move to TE/Slot/WR

Could you see as a play "set formation "-
Wallace WR - middle 5 - Pitta TE- Howard SLOT - Perriman WR - Flacco and Woodhead RB (single set ) in the backfield? Some call this a 2 tight end formation and it can be considered that because Pitta or Howard could go in motion and/or move to opposite sides. The difference is having 2 bigger, slower TE's, the Slot receiver is eliminated in most cases. WIth Howard as a Slot WR he utilizes his speed to be a big threat downfield,( aka Boldin, T Davis, Sterling)

This is definitely possible. Of course it means Joe has multiple plays at his disposal from this set formation: Quick Run, roll out, stretch, quick line pass, Screen, Draw, Deep crossing and middle slot. This is what NE does, if Garoppolo can do it Joe has got to be able to do it, he doesn't have to be Tom baby

In fact Waller is a perfect example of the same hybrid WR/TE/SLOT The Ravens could honestly make Howard and Waller the same type multi Slot receivers, and have this kid learn the playbook heavy to that style of pass play selection. Thus they have 2 Slot/WR/TE who can perform the same exact pass plays with excellent execution. Both can move downfield as WR, that is a big value.

it leaves the depth players for the same formation of Moore WR, Waller WR/ Slot /TE, Boyle TE, Gilmore TE ,Campanaro WR/Slot and Dixon RB even West RB. Here in lies the ability to use the bench in disguising the play from the same set.

The Ravens need to use the same base formation and adjust on the field to run multiple plays. Obviously using multiple base set formations is a must, however disguising and deceptive ability will be an advantage, this would be just one of the base formations.

But hey, guess you are glad im not coach.

Are you being serious Frank ? Cmon man this is just not a realistic assessment here. Why in the world would he commit to losing weight? The vast majority of TEs that come into the league need work on their blocking. Corey Davis runs a 4.8 forty. Mike Williams runs a 4.54. OJ runs a 4.51. What would be the purpose behind asking this guy to drop weight. He is just as fast as the top WRs in this years class. And what is the middle 5.

it might not be a realistic assessment, some times weight can be adjusted out of college sometimes it cant. It is usually a focus of running backs primarily for the same reason i bring it up about Howard. let me re-state.

I think he might make a better Wide Receiver for the Ravens than a pure TE. What is interesting is there has only been a few 6'6" WR

reasons- first at 250 lbs+ running the field at that much weight will take its toll. less weight less wear and tear. Also it could improve his speed just a tad. But you are correct he has great speed, now, but will it last. That is why I think he could make a Wide Receiver being lighter.
second- The Ravens need a Wide Receiver not really a TE.
third - multi purpose use as I mentioned is a possibility.

middle 5 being - LT LG C RG RT I was trying to focus on the WR and play calling ability using a Slot receiver that has speed and size. A Gronkowski type of player. Howard could be that type of potential.

[hen826957]

I would be extremely upset if we get another TE. We honestly don't need one at this moment. We have too many as of now on our roster and we may have to cut at least two TE's before the season starts. The only reason we have that many to begin with was because of Pitta health.

[billiejean]

1 hour ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

it might not be a realistic assessment, some times weight can be adjusted out of college sometimes it cant. It is usually a focus of running backs primarily for the same reason i bring it up about Howard. let me re-state.

I think he might make a better Wide Receiver for the Ravens than a pure TE. What is interesting is there has only been a few 6'6" WR

reasons- first at 250 lbs+ running the field at that much weight will take its toll. less weight less wear and tear. Also it could improve his speed just a tad. But you are correct he has great speed, now, but will it last. That is why I think he could make a Wide Receiver being lighter.
second- The Ravens need a Wide Receiver not really a TE.
third - multi purpose use as I mentioned is a possibility.

middle 5 being - LT LG C RG RT I was trying to focus on the WR and play calling ability using a Slot receiver that has speed and size. A Gronkowski type of player. Howard could be that type of potential.
 

Than why don't all TEs loose weight to become WRs so that they cut down on the "wear and tear"? Wear and tear happens to big and small players and it has nothing to do with weight.  The guy isn't going to drop weight just because the Ravens need a WR and not a TE.  You are getting caught up with the label TE.  The Panthers took a WR in the first round of the 2014 draft who was 6'5" and 245.  Weight is also not a factor in being a successful multi purpose TE.  And this fact is highlighted when you bring up Gronk.  He is one of the most successful "multi purpose" (joker) TEs in the league and he weighs 265 lbs.

[BMoreDuck]

11 hours ago, billiejean said:

Are you being serious Frank ? Cmon man this is just not a realistic assessment here. Why in the world would he commit to losing weight? The vast majority of TEs that come into the league need work on their blocking. Corey Davis runs a 4.8 forty. Mike Williams runs a 4.54. OJ runs a 4.51. What would be the purpose behind asking this guy to drop weight. He is just as fast as the top WRs in this years class. And what is the middle 5.

Where did you see that Davis runs a 4.8 40? There are analysts who believe he is a 4.4/4.5 guy.

[bigcatfrank1]

  9 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

it might not be a realistic assessment, some times weight can be adjusted out of college sometimes it cant. It is usually a focus of running backs primarily for the same reason i bring it up about Howard. let me re-state.

I think he might make a better Wide Receiver for the Ravens than a pure TE. What is interesting is there has only been a few 6'6" WR

reasons- first at 250 lbs+ running the field at that much weight will take its toll. less weight less wear and tear. Also it could improve his speed just a tad. But you are correct he has great speed, now, but will it last. That is why I think he could make a Wide Receiver being lighter.
second- The Ravens need a Wide Receiver not really a TE.
third - multi purpose use as I mentioned is a possibility.

middle 5 being - LT LG C RG RT I was trying to focus on the WR and play calling ability using a Slot receiver that has speed and size. A Gronkowski type of player. Howard could be that type of potential.
 

Than why don't all TEs loose weight to become WRs so that they cut down on the "wear and tear"? Wear and tear happens to big and small players and it has nothing to do with weight.  The guy isn't going to drop weight just because the Ravens need a WR and not a TE.  You are getting caught up with the label TE.  The Panthers took a WR in the first round of the 2014 draft who was 6'5" and 245.  Weight is also not a factor in being a successful multi purpose TE.  And this fact is highlighted when you bring up Gronk.  He is one of the most successful "multi purpose" (joker) TEs in the league and he weighs 265 lbs.

All tight ends do not have his speed.
Also, he has more muscle weight, than heavy weight, at least it appears that way. Which may mean he could slim down in the upper body without losing his legs.
And yes The guy would do what he is asked if that is what is best for the team and it was a reasonable approach.

I don't know enough about his physical make up to really know, so thats that. But it is possible, that I do know. but most times not probable.

Traditional TE's are expected to provide a good portion of blocking, and a portion of short route plays. So they do not run up and down the field half as much as a traditional WR. They are often husky, tall and very strong.

Gronk is not used as a traditional TE that was my point. However he does not have the speed that Howard has. To expect the Ravens to go the TE "Gronk" way with Howard would be unlikely. They will keep Pitta. So that leaves the Slot Reciever/Slant/ #3 position at huge need.

That is why I say make him a WR. Its my opinion, I know Im outside the box. But coming out of college, that is the time to do it, if he is going to do it at all.

[billiejean]

12 hours ago, BMoreDuck said:

Where did you see that Davis runs a 4.8 40? There are analysts who believe he is a 4.4/4.5 guy.

my bad guy that was a typo. It is 4.48

[billiejean]

9 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

All tight ends do not have his speed.
Also, he has more muscle weight, than heavy weight, at least it appears that way. Which may mean he could slim down in the upper body without losing his legs.
And yes The guy would do what he is asked if that is what is best for the team and it was a reasonable approach.

I don't know enough about his physical make up to really know, so thats that. But it is possible, that I do know. but most times not probable.

Traditional TE's are expected to provide a good portion of blocking, and a portion of short route plays. So they do not run up and down the field half as much as a traditional WR. They are often husky, tall and very strong.

Gronk is not used as a traditional TE that was my point. However he does not have the speed that Howard has. To expect the Ravens to go the TE "Gronk" way with Howard would be unlikely. They will keep Pitta. So that leaves the Slot Reciever/Slant/ #3 position at huge need.

That is why I say make him a WR. Its my opinion, I know Im outside the box. But coming out of college, that is the time to do it, if he is going to do it at all.

Frank I can assure you that there isn't even a small chance that he is going to do that.  You are not thinking outside the box. You are thinking outside the realm of possibility.  Although it is physically possible no team would ever ask him to do that.  A 250 TE would not ever be asked to loose 20 pounds.  It is not a "reasonable approach" for him or the team.  He weighs 250 pounds with 10 percent body fat.  That means he has 25 pounds of fat (assuming fat is what you mean by "heavy weight") on his body.  It is dangerous to go below 7 or 8 percent so he would have to loose some muscle if he were to drop.  Frank it is clear you are new to the game and that is great.  Its an exciting sport, but continuing to try to validate your bizarre statements isn't going to expound upon your knowledge of the game.  Even your ideas about muscle mass and weight training are bizarre.  "slim down in the upper body without losing legs" "more muscle weight than heavy weight" Cmon man. The terminology you are using isn't even close to being correct.  You are the only person that refers to fat as "heavy weight" and offensive lineman as the "middle 5"

[balfan23]

I would be extremely upset if we get another TE. We honestly don't need one at this moment. We have too many as of now on our roster and we may have to cut at least two TE's before the season starts. The only reason we have that many to begin with was because of Pitta health.

I know. I've said before that if we draft a TE I'm going to stroke out. That is anywhere in the draft, let alone our 1st pick. The BPA concept goes out the window when you already have 6 players at a position where you normally carry 3. We've drafted a 2nd rounder (with trade up) a 3rd rounder and a 5th rounder over the past 3 years. We picked up another FA, converted a WR and cling to the guy we signed to a big contract (albeit with numerous pay cuts). That's an extraordinary amount of team capital expended on one position. There simply has to be someone available who is going to be a playmaker at #16 that we actually have a need for. Praying someone picks O.J. in the top 15, allowing a playmaker at a different position to fall to us.