NFL Draft 2017:5 reasons the Browns should pick O.J. Howard

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Alabama's O.J. Howard has drawn comparisons to Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham in the weeks leading to the NFL Draft.

But is the right fit for the Cleveland Browns?

Howard is expected to make a difference with his abilities as a receiver and size as a runner. He is projected to be a first round pick, so the Browns will need to decide soon if they want to take a chance on selecting the Crimson Tide tight end. The Browns hold four picks in the opening two rounds.

Here are five reasons why the Browns should select Howard.

By Nathaniel Cline, cleveland.com

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1. Mismatch for opponents

Howard could be threat for the Browns offense. Howard is one of the tallest tight ends in the draft at 6-foot-6 and finished with second fastest time in 40-yard dash among tight ends at the NFL Combine at 4.51 seconds.

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2. Big play ability

Howard's most notable performance came in Alabama's 45-40 National Championship win against Clemson a year ago. He finished with five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns. While playing in Alabama's heavy-run offense, the senior tight end finished his career with 114 catches for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns.

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Pictured is Howard at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Associated Press

3. Capable blocker

When Howard wasn't running pass routes, he was helping Alabama's run attack blocking defenders. The Crimson Tide was 12th in rushing yards per game with 245.2 yards. Howard could help the Browns running attack. He showed off his strength finishing fourth in the bench press among tight ends with 22 reps at the NFL Combine.

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Pictured is Browns tight end Gary Barnidge missing a touchdown pass defended by New York Jets strong safety Calvin Pryor.

John Kuntz, cleveland.com

4. Cost savings

The 22-year old Howard could be a cost savings if the Browns want to move Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge. Barnidge, 31, signed a three-year extension for more than $12 million. His production declined after catching 79 passes for 1,043 yards and nine TDs in 2015. Last year, Barnidge finished with 55 catches for 612 yards and two touchdowns. He is one 10 Browns players with the most-expensive contracts.

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5. Good in short yardage

Howard’s ability to be placed anywhere on the field could make him a threat for opposing teams and help sustain drives for the Browns. Last year, the Browns offense finished among teams with the lowest percentage of third-down conversions at 36 percent and shortest time of possession at 28:16.