Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: O.J. Howard

3 of 3

Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

All fans can agree on one thing: The Browns cannot afford to start another season with the current group of tight ends that they have on the roster. It isn’t an insult to any player, it’s just the reality that the position is quite possibly more significant than it has ever been and Cleveland can no longer rely on Barnidge alone.

The best offenses in football have a complementary tight end. And while Seth DeValve is an exemplary individual and an intelligent Princeton grad, he can’t give the Browns what they want in the second tight end role.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

The draft would seem to be the best way for Cleveland to find a solution for this need, as it is one of the top drafts for tight ends in recent memory. O.J. Howard is the top ranked tight end according to most experts, but may not be worth Cleveland’s second pick at No. 12 overall.

Sure, his talents are undeniable, and his ability to elude defenders in space as well as run through them when needed is desirable. But the Browns can’t afford the baggage which comes with Howard, as a flaw in attitude is at the root.

Cleveland’s seen this movie before, and fans have learned their lesson that a lack of passion and priorities which are out of order are too hard to overcome. These characteristics often seem irreversible, as coaches can’t fix the players that don’t want to be coached.

Next: Josh Dobbs on the Browns' radar?

Maybe it is a bit dramatic to go that far when it comes to Howard, but when multiple scouts point out this flaw, it ought to become a concern for a team considering spending a first-round draft pick on this player.

Home/Browns Draft