The Baylor Bears have been known to play defense fast and loose. Howard played solidly however for Baylor over the last two years, starting 26 games while recording 93 tackles, 9 interceptions, and 23 pass breakups. He posted some decent numbers at the combine, and scouts liked his ballhawking attitude, but questioned his downfield speed and technique, making for an uneven tape. He’s expected to go as early as round 2 in the 2016 NFL draft. The Dolphins pulled the trigger on Xavien when their second round pick came up. He is expected to compete for a starting job in the secondary.
Hunter Henry is the highest regarded TE in the 2016 draft. Playing collegiality for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Henry has reliable hands, and is considered a fine receiver, but is not the most polished blocker. He has drawn comparisons to Cowboys TE Jason Witten by NFL pundits and many are intrigued by his talent. He goes as early as mid 1st round to the Falcons to late second round with the Texans. Ranked roughly among the top 50 of prospects, I’d love to see the Texans take Henry with their second pick of the NFL draft.
Hunter did not last on the draft board until the Texans selection. The Chargers took him early on in round 2 and will groom him to be the heir apparent to All-Pro Antonio Gates.
Considered by the college ranks to be one of the best interior lineman available manning the guard position, Joshua Garnett won the Outland Trophy in 2015. Garnett (6-foot-5, 321 pounds) was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection and helped clear running room for Stanford’s star running back Christian McCaffrey, a finalist for the Maxwell Award. Garnett played collegiality for the Stanford Cardinal, and hopes to become a trauma surgeon once his days playing football are over. In his previous years at Stanford, he played alongside future 1st rounder Andrus Peat.
Garnett was expected to be an early pick in the 2016 draft, and considered a solid round 2 or 3 selection. With a run on quality offensive linemen however, before round 1 was over, the 49ers traded back in with the Chiefs and selected Joshua with the 28th pick.
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