2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars select O.J. Howard

With the fourth overall pick in the 2017 Canal Street Chronicles NFL Mock Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select:

O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama (6-foot-6, 251-pounds)

Here’s what kkc40 had to say on the pick:

With Solomon Thomas and Leonard Fournette on the board, the Jaguars go with a player who will give the much-maligned Blake Bortles another passing threat to pair with the Allens and Marqise Lee. At 6’6”, 251 pounds, Howard has size comparable to that of Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. With a 4.51 40-yard dash and 22 bench reps, Howard has both the speed and strength to be a dangerous TE, whether he’s blocking or receiving.

The Jaguars have a big need for a TE, with the fumble-prone Mychal Rivera and the aging Marcedes Lewis as their top two TEs. Howard has the potential to be a perennial Pro-Bowl TE, with all the physical traits (size, strength, speed) backing that statement up.

Most mock drafts have Leonard Fournette as the No. 4 pick. I personally think this would be a mistake. With a deep RB class, the Jaguars can hold off until the mid rounds. The Jaguars also have invested a 5-year, $32 million dollar contract with $10 million guaranteed into Chris Ivory, according to BCC’s Alfie Crow. Also, Crow mentions that Fournette, or whichever RB would be taken at No. 4 would instantly be the highest paid RB in the NFL, with Ezekiel Elliott’s 4-year, $24.5 million guaranteed deal being comparable. Regardless of cap-situation, that is poor cap management.

In closing, OJ Howard at #4 might be a bit earlier than expected, but he is the skilled TE that Julius Thomas never was, and that potential franchise-QB Blake Bortles needs. Although this is a deep TE class, Howard is the best of the class and a pro-ready TE who will also provide the run-game with a strong blocking presence.

Pro Comparison: Greg Olsen, Travis Kelce

Thanks to all the CSC members who are participating in this year's community mock draft. Without your help, none of this would be possible!

Draft Results

1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett, DE, TAMU
2. San Francisco 49ers - Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
3. Chicago Bears - Jamal Adams, S, LSU
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

The Tennessee Titans are on the clock!