Green Bay Packers: Early 7-Round Mock Draft

Round 2: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama (6-6, 242)

The 2016 draft class isn’t strong at tight end, but there are a handful of guys who could be worth taking in the second or third round. Arkansas’ Hunter Henry probably won’t be available to Green Bay in the latter half of round two, but a guy like O.J. Howard could be there when the Packers are on the clock.

Howard has the size and speed (4.58) to stretch defenses vertically and make plays over the middle of the field–something Green Bay’s offense has been missing from the tight end position since the departure of Jermichael Finley.

The Packers just aren’t getting this with either Richard Rodgers or Andrew Quarless, and if they want things to open up for their receivers across the middle, they need to have a receiving weapon at tight end opposing defenses respect.

Howard’s receiving numbers won’t jump out at you (33 rec., 394 yards, and 11.94 avg. in 2015), but he also wasn’t featured very much as a receiver in Alabama’s ground-and-pound offense. Howard made a major impact each and every week as a run blocker, but his athletic skill set and soft hands should garner a lot of production in an NFL offense that can utilize him more in the passing game.

Overall, Howard is one of the more complete tight ends in the 2016 draft and a guy that could add a new dimension to the Packers offense.

Next: Round 3