Chicago Bears Should Strongly Consider Drafting TE O.J. Howard At No. 3

Owning the third overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears would be wise to consider using it to draft Alabama tight end prospect O.J. Howard.

Owning the third overall pick in the 2017 NF Draft, the Chicago Bears have plenty of options to choose from. The organization could use it to select from a number of high-level, impactful players who are ready to contribute early.

If that’s the route the Bears brass takes, they should think about using the third overall pick to select Alabama tight end O.J. Howard.

The Bears have many needs to fill through the draft. The tight-end position is one of them.

As sure-handed as current Bears’ tight end Zach Miller is when seeing game action, his availability is a glaring concern. He’s suffered multiple season-ending injuries since joining the Bears in 2014.

During the offseason, the Bears signed tight ends Dion Sims. They also picked up Daniel Brown in the middle of last season. Both players show some promise in their respective careers early, but have plenty more to prove.

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All of these factors, in addition to the potential long-term upside of Howard, is why Bears management shouldn’t hesitate to pass up on drafting him in the first-round.

A player as talented as Howard will likely be gone by the time the second round hits.

According to NFL.com, Howard posted a 4.51 40-yard dash. His straight-line speed is remarkable for a tight end, especially given that Howard is 6-foot-6, 251 pounds.

While he rarely caught passes from quarterbacks playing at Alabama, it wasn’t for lack of talent. Alabama’s offense revolved around running the ball frequently. Howard was used mainly in run-blocking schemes.

Throughout his college career, Howard excelled in run-blocking, which could only serve the Bears well. In selecting Howard, the Bears would be doing their running back Jordan Howard a huge favor by opening up running lanes.

Howard, when presented with opportunities, has also shown the ability to make big-time catches. Just like Miller, Howard is a very reliable pass-catcher. He has a 30-inch vertical. As a result, expect Howard to win many 50-50 balls at the next level. Starting quarterback Mike Glennon wouldn’t mind seeing this often.

Having a tight end who can block and catch efficiently is every general manager’s dream. Howard is a game-changing talent at the tight end position because of those coveted strengths.

If the Bears really believe they can get through another season without their own tight ends missing action due to injuries, they’d sadly be mistaken.

Howard is as durable as they come. He hasn’t missed a game the past two seasons with Alabama. Another reason for the Bears to pick him.

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Let’s also not forget that Nick Saban mentored Howard throughout his four seasons playing at Alabama. Saban is one of the greatest coaches in college football. His ability to prepare his players for the next level shouldn’t go unnoticed, given that many of his former players are now having successful NFL careers. Should the Bears draft O.J. Howard with the third overall pick? It certainly wouldn’t hurt if they did.

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