Howard leads skilled tight end class
At Alabama, he raised game on national title stage
As the NFL draft nears, USA TODAY Sports is providing rankings for each position group. Today: tight ends.
1. O.J. HOWARD, ALABAMA 6-6, 251
Even a casual observer of college football would remember Howard for what he did to Clemson during the last two national championship games, when he totaled nine receptions for 314 yards (34.9-yard average) and three touchdowns — a significant chunk of his overall production since 2015. Even if the Crimson Tide didn’t effectively maximize his abilities, Howard should become a major weapon in the NFL on screens, drags and post routes or even lined up outside. He is a load to tackle and capable of contributing as a blocker.
2. DAVID NJOKU, MIAMI (FLA.) 6-4, 246
Presumably the next in a long line of great Hurricanes tight ends, Njoku is a tick slower than Howard but not far behind overall. And Njoku, a high school high jump champ who’s only 20, might have more intriguing upside. He makes splash plays all over the field and will outrun most linebackers and plenty of safeties.
3. EVAN ENGRAM, MISSISSIPPI 6-3, 234
What kind of weapon could he be? Consider that only four receivers topped Engram’s 4.42second 40-yard dash time at this year’s scouting combine. Basically a super-sized wideout, he isn’t the next Rob Gronkowski. But Engram plays like an even faster version of the Washington Redskins’ Jordan Reed, running routes at various depths of the field, and averaged 14.3 yards per catch during four years with the Rebels. Engram fell just shy of 1,000 yards in his senior season.
4. GERALD EVERETT, SOUTH ALABAMA 6-3, 239
This highly athletic player would have been a mismatch even if he wasn’t playing against Sun Belt competition. A former basketball player, Everett could be a star if he puts it all together.
5. ADAM SHAHEEN, ASHLAND 6-6, 278
He could not be contained on the Division II stage, where he overmatched the competition en route to accumulating 26 TDs over the last two seasons. Shaheen also has a basketball background and should post up quite a few linebackers with his huge body before escaping others with 4.79 speed. He must navigate a large learning curve in the NFL, however.
6. JAKE BUTT, MICHIGAN 6-5, 246
Last season’s Mackey Award recipient suffered a major knee injury in the Orange Bowl. When fully healthy, he offers excellent hands and moves the chains. Maybe a Jason Witten-type if he reaches his full potential.
7. JORDAN LEGGETT, CLEMSON 6-5, 258
He moves well for a man of his size, though changing direction isn’t his forte. Leggett is dangerous in the seams and even on screens and has no fear of making catches in heavy traffic. He totaled 86 grabs for 1,261 yards and 15 TDs over last two years. Leggett admittedly needs to display more consistent effort.
8. BUCKY HODGES, VIRGINIA TECH 6-6, 257
This plus-size target moves the chains, averaging 13.1 yards per catch for the Hokies, and knows how to find the end zone (20 TDs in three seasons). And his sub-4.6 40 speed consistently gets him behind defenders. A converted quarterback, Hodges still needs seasoning at the position and, perhaps unsurprisingly, doesn’t block well despite his frame.
9. GEORGE KITTLE, IOWA 6-4, 247
His numbers don’t impress (42 catches, 604 yards and 10 TDs over the last two seasons). But his 4.52 speed and ability to block in a pro-style offense could make him a Day 2 selection.