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2017 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects Halfway through Season

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) defends during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) defends during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) carries the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) carries the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

The tight end position has continued to evolve over the years with more of a focus on making plays as a receiver over being more of a pure blocker. This season, there are a few tight ends making names for themselves in that department.

One tight end that’s been making a lot of noise is Alabama’s O.J. Howard. He’s continuing to get more involved in the Crimson Tide offense, giving true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts a safety blanket.

Howard presents a serious mismatch for defenses, coming in at 6’6” and 242 pounds. He’s still working on running cleaner routes, but the size and speed make him dangerous with the ball in his hands.

The Alabama tight end isn’t going to be the next Rob Gronkowski (who is though?), but a team that needs a tight end should seriously consider picking up Howard.

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