NFL

Scouting the NFL Draft: RB Jordan Howard

Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
Ht. 6', Wt. 230, Arm: 32 ¼", Hand: 9", Bench: 16
40 yd: -, 10 yd.: -, 3 Cone: -, Vertical: 34", Broad: 10'2"
Games Watched: Florida International, Michigan St.

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Jordan Howard started his college career at Alabama-Birmingham and was named to the freshman all-conference team after running for 881 yards in 2013. He set the school record with 1,587 rushing yards in his second season, ranking seventh nationally with 132.3 yards per game. And then he was forced to find a new school after the UAB football program was shut down.

Howard transferred to Indiana, where he replaced the school's single season rushing record holder in Tevin Coleman. In 9 games with the Hoosiers, Howard rushed for 1,213 yards — averaging 6.2 per carry — and 9 TDs on the way to being named first team all-conference by the Big 10 coaches and media.

Strengths

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• Size - Sturdy build, low-cut
• Quickness - Moves well for his size
• Feet - Light, quick cuts
• Style - Skinny through hole
• Vision - Sees holes opening, finds cutback lanes
• Balance - Ideal center of gravity
• Physical - Punishing, finishes runs
• Pass Protection - Inconsistent, but willing

Weaknesses

• Injuries - Missed several games with injuries
• Runs Tall - Needs to lower pad level
• Long Speed - Not a home run threat
• Hands - Small, fumbles could be an issue
• Pass Catching - Effective, but underutilized

Verdict: Second-Round Pick

Howard falls into the second tier of draftable running backs behind Ezekial Elliot. While he doesn't have Derrick Henry's eye-popping measurables, he's still a shifty battering ram. And unlike Henry, Howard could step in and be a three-down back on Sundays.

The Cowboys need a three-down bellcow of a runner like they had in DeMarco Murray in 2014. After Elliott goes off the board, Howard might be the next best bet and worth the Cowboy's second-round pick. He might need some time to be effective on passing downs, but his style would be complemented by Darren McFadden to ease the transition.

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