O.J. Howard 40-Yard Dash Time At NFL Combine


O.J. Howard’s 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, as the former Alabama tight end looks to increase his draft stock.


He may not have had the biggest and the best numbers in college for a high-profile tight end, but O.J. Howard will likely end up going down as the best in this draft class.

The Alabama product was the top high school recruit in the country at his position, and he made an immediate impact as a true freshman, leading the Crimson Tide with 19.2 yards per reception. His real breakout season came in 2015, when he caught 38 passes for 602 yards and was offensive MVP of the national championship game against Clemson with 208 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five catches. In his final year with the Crimson Tide, Howard earned third-team All-American and second-team All-SEC honors after making 45 catches for 595 yards and three touchdowns.

Howard was even more impressive in Senior Bowl activities, possibly positioning himself as a first-round pick.

The 6-foot-5, 249-pounder is a physical specimen with a size-athleticism combination that is rare for the tight end position. It’s crazy to use the term “underrated” to describe him, but he was underutilized in the passing game at ‘Bama, averaging less than three catches and 40 yards per game over his final two seasons.

Whichever team is able to draft Howard is going to get a player who should be in the league for a decade.

On Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis, Howard looked to increase his draft stock at the NFL Combine, posting an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.51, which is an absurd time for a player his size. Quite frankly, Howard is a physical specimen.

The Combine is a marquee event for NFL hopefuls, with the 40 being just one event in which they will try to impress NFL GMs, coaches and scouts.

We’ll see where Howard goes in the NFL showcase event, as it takes place April 27-29 in Philadelphia. He is likely a Day 1 pick, as he has the talent to be a productive tight end in the league for many years.

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