New York Giants Interview O.J. Howard At NFL Combine

The New York Giants met with former Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard at the 2017 NFL Draft Combine. Howard is regarded as a top prospect.

The 2017 NFL Combine is officially underway and the New York Giants are exploring their vast array of options. With needs on both offense and defense, New York will be tasked with drafting wisely and improving at multiple positions of need.

Though there are a number of areas in which New York must improve, one could argue that no position was weaker in 2016 than tight end.

New York has a number of intriguing young tight ends on the roster, including Jerell Adams, Matt LaCosse, and Will Tye. None have earned the title of No. 1 on the depth chart, however, and that’s inevitably caused some to ponder if the long-term answer is on the roster.

According to Pat Leonard of The New York Daily News, one of the Giants’ formal player interviews at the NFL Combine was spent with former Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard.

"Big Blue’s brass dedicated one of their formal player interviews at the NFL combine to projected first-round Alabama tight end O.J. Howard (6-6, 251 pounds), the Daily News has learned."

New York has a glaring void at tight end and Howard is widely believed to be the best prospect at his position.

Howard was solid during his freshman and sophomore seasons, but he broke out as a junior. He recorded 38 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns, including the 208 yards and two touchdowns he recorded during the National Championship Game.

During his senior season, Howard pulled down 45 receptions for 595 yards and three touchdowns, including 106 yards and a score in the National Championship Game.

Howard showed up in the biggest of games and has the physical tools to become a highly productive tight end at the next level.

Howard stands at 6’6″ and 251 pounds with elite athleticism, big hands, and long arms. He’s a mismatch nightmare for both linebackers and safeties in the passing attack, and has the upside to become a quality blocker.

Howard has been compared to Julius Thomas, who recorded 12 receiving touchdowns in both 2013 and 2014 with Peyton Manning at quarterback.

Must Read: Tight ends to consider in the 2017 NFL Draft

The hope in New York appears to be that Eli Manning can experience similar, if not greater results, with a player like Howard.