Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Prospect: Alabama TE O.J. Howard
We continue to look at potential 2017 NFL Draft targets for the Chicago Bears with insight into Alabama tight end O.J. Howard.
While the Chicago Bears have a dramatic need at the quarterback and wide receiver positions, the team can not ignore the hole at the tight end position.
In fact, the Bears need at the tight end position may be their most important offensive need this off-season. Think about the facts. The Bears’ 2017 starting quarterback is either going to be a veteran quarterback that was not with the team last season or a rookie quarterback. Regardless, the Bears are going to need to surround their 2017 starting quarterback with a strong support system.
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That support will not come at the wide receiver position considering Alshon Jeffery is considered a long-shot to re-sign with the Bears in free agency. With a large question mark at the wide receiver position in 2017, the Bears are going to need a dependable tight end.
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That dependable tight end is not Zach Miller. While Miller is certainly productive when he is on the field, the issue is that he is rarely on the field. Therefore, the Bears need to target the tight end position in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The best tight end in the 2017 NFL Draft is Alabama’s O.J. Howard.
In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, Howard compiled 1,726 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns on 114 receptions.
NFL. com had this to say about Howard’s prospects in the NFL:
"Howard has struggled to live up to hype that has come with his play-making ability while at Alabama, but some scouts put the blame on the staff and scheme. He has elite athletic traits and raw talent, but must add polish to go along with those attributes. Should become substantially more productive as a pro, but the difference between “potential weapon” and “elite tight end” will likely be tied to his desire and overall football character."
Chances are Howard will be selected towards the bottom half of the first round or the early portions of the second round in the 2017 NFL Draft. If the Bears trade down from their No. 3 selection in the draft, they could consider Howard late in the first round. If not, then he could be available for the Bears at the No. 36 overall selection.
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Though, given the Chicago Bears needs on defense, at quarterback, and the wide receiver position; it seems unlikely that they will spend one of their first two selections on a tight end. If they do, then Alabama’s O.J. Howard is their choice.
Check in tomorrow as we profile Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer; another possible 2017 NFL Draft prospect for the Chicago Bears.