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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball while guarded by Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball while guarded by Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

During the 2016 National Championship Game, the Alabama Crimson Tide were led by their tight end, who went for over 200 yards in their 45-40 win. That player was O.J. Howard, who can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to talking about the Crimson Tide. However, he is an elite tight end prospect, and will be the first player at his position taken in next April’s draft.

The thing about Howard is that he is going to be so much more productive at the next level. This past season, the Crimson Tide went with a true freshman at quarterback, and the team mostly relied on their run game in a tough SEC. Howard was kind of the odd man out, but any offensive coordinator at the NFL level would love to have a player with his skill set to make a big a big part of their offense.

Howard has great size and speed, and has elite pass-catching ability. He also did a nice job improving as a run-blocker in 2016, and should be the complete package at the next level. Having a great tight end can really make a world of difference in the NFL nowadays, and the Denver Broncos need a solid player at that position heading into 2017. There will be plenty of questions as to who will play quarterback for Denver next season, so adding a quality tight end is going to be huge next April.

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