O.J. Howard: Top-5 Speedster
August 21st, 2019
It hasn’t happened yet, but one day the NFL will release all the endless and glorious data complied by their NextGen technology, the stuff tracked in football and in players’ uniforms.
For now, though, we fans have to accept only receiving little nuggets of fun.
The NextGen stats team Twittered out one today on speedy tight ends. Apparently only two last season hit the 20 miles-per-hour mark while running in a real game. Yes, O.J. Howard was one of them.
Another was Pro Bowl beast George Kittle, who rookie savior linebacker Devin White will be tasked with covering opening day against the 49ers.
#HardKnocks standout Darren Waller displayed rare speed for a tight end in limited action last season, reaching 20+ MPH on 5% of offensive plays (2 of 41 plays).
George Kittle was the only other TE to reach 20+ MPH more than once (3).
Kittle played 839 more snaps than Waller. pic.twitter.com/LcbuTJdhk8
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) August 21, 2019
This is very cool for Howard. You can’t twist the real, in-game speed numbers. He is that fast. For those wondering, you wouldn’t find a ton more wide receivers busting that 20 mph barrier.
Bucco Bruce Arians keeps saying he has a two-tight-end offense. Howard will get a ton of snaps. Will Arians use him regularly as a deep threat down the seam? Joe doesn’t envision it happening often, but Howard should have his best professional season if he and Jameis Winston can stay healthy.
August 21st, 2019 at 2:33 pm
And that day will officially be National Paralysis by Analysis Day!
August 21st, 2019 at 2:34 pm
“Kobe Faker was the originator and only member of the Free OJStocker movement
Kobe has tears running down his eyes”
Kobe Faker
August 21st, 2019 at 2:35 pm
All OJ needs to do is stay healthy. I’m completely sold on him as a player otherwise. Complete TE…which is rare these days.
August 21st, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Hit him in stride and you’ll be surprised!
August 21st, 2019 at 3:11 pm
hIt HiM In sTR1dE
August 21st, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Howard’s 20+ MPH catch-and-run was his 75 yard TD vs the Eagles. I checked.
August 21st, 2019 at 3:42 pm
You should envision it often because it will happen often. Bruce loves the deep ball. Expect at least 5 a game. Oj should get at least one of em.
August 21st, 2019 at 3:43 pm
unfortunately that speed will be negated because OJ will have to to help block because every tackle on the roster sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 21st, 2019 at 4:41 pm
“Kobe has tears running down his eyes.” Kobe you never cease to amaze me. That visual had me LMAO.
August 21st, 2019 at 6:30 pm
OJ will own the middle of the field – something already noticed is all the quick clear out routes BA runs – it makes the LB and S bite hard after a couple completions
Watch for OJ running clean down the seam a lot – beat the FS, six points
August 21st, 2019 at 6:56 pm
How did Kittle last til the 5th round? Coming out he was known to be a fast could catch (converted from Wr and Saftey) and be a great blocker. He performed well at the combine and had the best 40 time among TEs. 49ers got a steal in the 5th.
August 21st, 2019 at 8:51 pm
RTR!!!!
August 21st, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Sorry to break it to you folks, but more than half of OJ’s career yards have been the result of busted coverages. I’m concerned he’s a JAG who has happened to be in the right place at the right time. We find out this year.
August 21st, 2019 at 10:35 pm
99.97.92.55.47.40.28.20.7 Says:
August 21st, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Sorry to break it to you folks, but more than half of OJ’s career yards have been the result of busted coverages. I’m concerned he’s a JAG who has happened to be in the right place at the right time. We find out this year.
And you people get pissed at me for saying fans on this site are clueless. How can you read this ⬆️ and come to any other conclusion?
August 22nd, 2019 at 2:06 am
LOL
Yay Kobe!
Yay NDog!
August 22nd, 2019 at 8:44 am
OJ’s yards are the result of busted coverages?!!? There’s a lot of stupid comments on this site but let’s move this near the top of the list. Geesh……
August 22nd, 2019 at 10:08 am
What’s is impressive is that Vernon Davis being on this list, still.