New York Giants: ESNY draft preview round table

ESNY • 01/14/2017

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball past Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Skylar Darel: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

The Giants’ biggest need is an offensive tackle, but the only real first round prospect this year worth taking a look at is Alabama’s Cam Robinson. He will likely be gone by the time the Giants select.

It’s possible that Robinson’s teammate, tight end OJ Howard, will still be on the board. Eli Manning hasn’t had a really strong tight end since Jeremy Shockey (unless you count that one year of Martellus Bennett), but Howard could turn into the security blanket over the middle the Giants need.

At 6-foot-6′, 242 lbs, Howard has the size to be an elite tight end in the NFL. His athleticism is off the charts, as well. Against linebackers, he’s too fast; against defensive backs, he’s too big.

OJ Howard could turn into an elite NFL tight end, and taking him in the first round could give the Giants a different dimension on offense. Unless Cam Robinson drops to 23, the Giants would be well served to draft a tight end. Howard could be the guy.

[sc name=”Giants Link Slideshow” link=”elitesportsny.com/2017/01/14/new-york-giants-esny-draft-preview-round-table/5″ text=”Justin Weiss: Deshaun Watson” ]