Published Apr 25, 2017
NFL Draft Snapshot: Tight ends
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Mike Farrell  •  Rivals.com
Rivals National Columnist

POSITIONAL SNAPSHOTS: QB | RB | WR

MOCK DRAFTS: Farrell | Gorney

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FARRELL'S TOP FIVE TIGHT ENDS

WHY HOWARD IS NO. 1

Not only can Howard stretch the field and become a matchup nightmare as a flex tight end, he can also work inline and is a solid blocker. He does everything well and should have a long NFL career because he has few weaknesses. He possesses solid hands, runs pretty good routes, gets yardage after the catch and is a willing and aggressive blocker.

Out of high school he was a freak, the most athletic tight end I’ve ever scouted, and there’s a big dropoff after Howard here. Engram has grown on me quite a bit, but he has to play a big wide receiver position rather than act as a pure tight end and blocking will be an issue. Njoku is an athletic kid but very raw and has a big bust factor. Kittle is a good athlete and solid. Leggett isn’t sudden but is a big target.

Overall it’s an athletic group and could be the best in years, but Howard is clearly the prize to me.

Howard's NFL comparison: Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

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