Depending on which ranking you are looking at, the Seattle Seahawks ended up with a top 15 ranked DT with their fourth round pick. Jaye Howard was a redshirt senior our of the Florida Gator's system. Weighing in at 301 pounds, he is a big guy who can terrorize the opposing offensive lines. There was a pretty strong depth at defensive tackle this year, which put most analysts picking Howard in the 4th or 5th round.
Nationalfootballpost.com says that Howard is best when he gets going initially, otherwise he tends to struggle and get tied up.
A well built defensive tackle with a solid frame and good length for his size. Showcases natural flexibility sitting into his stance. Coils up well and exhibits an explosive first step off the football. Shoots low off the football can gain leverage and showcase some violence with his hands when looking to disengage.
Exhibits the ability though to win with his first step. Possesses the get off burst to threaten gaps off the football, plays low, keeps his pad level down and exhibits the balance to make himself small through tight areas. Is a "plus" one-gap defender.
At the combine, he ran the second quickest 40 yards out of the DT at 4.82 seconds. He has a vertical jump of 27.5 inches, and a broad jump of 106 inches. Howard looks to use his speed to gain the upper hand.
The consistent criticisms about Howard say that if he gets tied up he struggles to get free.
However, is a bit inconsistent as an in-line defender. Can be overwhelmed on contact and will at times get off the ball late. If he doesn't gain leverage initially has a tough time anchoring on contact. Isn't a guy who can handle any type of additional attention as well and was driven to the ground even vs. a single block inside. Needs to get stronger in the lower half and improve his overall ball awareness if he hopes to hold his own at the point at the next level.
Howard looks to be a big, athletic kid with the skillset to be an impact player on the Seahawks, but it will take some hard work and the growth of his game and awareness to become a regular starter.
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