NFL Mock Draft 2017: TE O.J. Howard to Giants, per Mocking The Draft

In his latest 2017 NFL mock draft, SB Nation draft analyst Dan Kadar has given the New York Giants the player currently considered the premier tight end in this year’s draft class, O.J. Howard of Alabama.

Here is Kadar’s explanation:

While the momentum for Miami tight end David Njoku is growing, Howard is more capable as a route runner and blocker. He would be a great check down option for Eli Manning, and a player who can keep him upright in the pocket.

Valentine’s View: Tight end is a position many, including yours truly, believe the Giants need to upgrade. Howard, at this point in the draft process, is still considered the top tight end in the draft. Thus, the pick makes sense.

Howard is a smooth athlete with the versatility to line up outside or inline, and because of the way Alabama’s offense was constructed he has lots of blocking experience. There are some analysts who believe Howard will be a better pro than he was a college player, as he was a good, but not great player for the Crimson Tide.

I have watched a number of Howard’s games and the only thing that concerns me is that I’m still waiting to see a “wow” moment that tells me he can be special.

Who Kadar passed on: In this iteration of his mock, which is updated weekly, Kadar left offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk of Wisconsin and Garret Bolles of Utah on the board to pick Howard. He also passed on Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey.

Your thoughts, Giants fans?