2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?
By John Buhler
O.J. Howard
Tight End, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alright. The Buffalo Bills probably need to go with a receiving weapon for quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Not that the dual-threat quarterback Taylor is going to stay in the pocket for ages, but any help in the receiving game outside of Sammy Watkins would be greatly appreciated.
Though the Bills would have the pick of the litter at No. 10 to take a wide receiver, there is a good chance that they take a flier on the best tight end in the NFL Draft in O.J. Howard out of Alabama. Howard would disappear at times in the Alabama offense, but when he’s on, he’s the closest thing to Greg Olsen we’ve seen come out of the college game since Olsen played at The U.
The big question here is if Howard really loves football. He’s one of the most talented players in this draft and could be a perennial Pro Bowler. One thing that is in his favor is that he did make it a point to improve in run blocking concepts in his last year in school.
Add in the overall difficulty to pass the ball efficiently in frigid Orchard Park and maybe it is advantageous for the Bills to go with the best tight in the draft at No. 10. Howard will be off the board before the end of the middle of the first round. He has a chance to be NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year should he go to the Bills. Taylor would certainly appreciate it.