DE/OLB Marcus Howard, UGA

[JoePats]

From Reiss

Pats working out Howard
Link|Comments (2) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 3, 2008 08:33 AM
As part of their extensive draft preparations, the Patriots are holding a private workout today with Georgia DE/LB Marcus Howard.

Teams looking to boost their pass rush are likely to take a close look at Howard, as he led Georgia with 10.5 sacks last season. His 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash has drawn attention this offseason.

At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, Howard could play defensive end in some 4-3 schemes (e.g. the Colts), but would be a linebacker for 3-4 clubs like the Patriots. If Howard does end up with a 3-4 club, he could play on the line in sub packages.

He is projected as an early- to mid-round pick.

The Patriots, like other clubs, hold numerous private workouts. In most cases, they reflect that more information is being sought before the team places a final grade on the player.

4.45 is pretty freekin fast. Also his 1.46 10 yard time is the fastest that I've seen from his position.

 

[dryheat44]

From Reiss



4.45 is pretty freekin fast. Also his 1.46 10 yard time is the fastest that I've seen from his position.

I don't think Howard measures close to this reported height and weight.

Edit: At the combine, he was 6 feet 1/2 inch and 237.....so apparently he grew an inch and a half.

 

[sebman2112]

The problem here is that Marcus isn't "6-foot-2, 245 pounds". He's actually only 6" tall, and weighs 237lbs. That's a lot smaller than any of NE's outside LB's, and he doesn't seem like a good fit at ILB, either. Really, he's just an undersized speed rusher, who struggles at the point, and can be run over.

 

[PonyExpress]

I'm a huge fan of Howard. I think he'll be an impact player. The Pats could use him the way the Ravens used Antwan Barnes last season, as a situational pass rusher/ special teamer as a rookie, transitioning to ILB in the future. His playing weight was closer to 245. He is absolutely relentless on the field, and plays with a blood lust that reminds me of Bruschi.

PS. Also, he would be ideal for the Colts at the end of rd 2 as a pass rush specialist.

 

[PonyExpress]

Here's a highlight vid, not that you can tell much from a highlight video.

http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter...=31475&pcid=83&searchstring=2008prospectvideo

What you can see is that Howard is a great athlete. He is fast, flexible, coordinated and thinks quickly on his feet. He also has the attitude of a crazed dog who enjoys the action. If Howard could translate that talent to ILB, he would be a great pick at #69.

 

[sebman2112]

Here's a highlight vid, not that you can tell much from a highlight video.

http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter...=31475&pcid=83&searchstring=2008prospectvideo

What you can see is that Howard is a great athlete. He is fast, flexible, coordinated and thinks quickly on his feet. He also has the attitude of a crazed dog who enjoys the action. If Howard could translate that talent to ILB, he would be a great pick at #69.

He's a liability against the run, can be engulfed by larger blockers at the point, was basically a one year wonder, and he's undersized. Kind of bad traits for an ILB convert in NE's system, don't you think?

 

[PonyExpress]

He's a liability against the run, can be engulfed by larger blockers at the point, was basically a one year wonder, and he's undersized. Kind of bad traits for an ILB convert in NE's system, don't you think?

No, I don't. He has experience stacking and shedding, which most of the other college LBs do not. His quality of play during that one year justifies the attention he is getting, and he's 6'1'', 240 lbs (he played at 245), virtually the same size as Patrick Willis, not to mention Bruschi, whose actual height may be closer to 5'11.4"

 

[BionicPatriot]

Love the guys speed. That's exactly what this front seven needs. Yes, the fact he is from the SEC sells him more to me. Best NFL defense factory.

One year blunder? wasn't this his first year starting? That said, this guy is a beast in the outside but he's short for a Patriots OLB. I don't know if he'd go to the inside. Very fascinating prospect, he has Colt written all over him, IMO.

 

[Kontradiction]

Being a Gator fan, I've seen a lot of him and Georgia. That said, I'd take Groves in a heartbeat over Howard. Howard was a one year blunder while Groves has been productive the past couple of years.

 

[sebman2112]

No, I don't. He has experience stacking and shedding, which most of the other college LBs do not. His quality of play during that one year justifies the attention he is getting, and he's 6'1'', 240 lbs (he played at 245), virtually the same size as Patrick Willis, not to mention Bruschi, whose actual height may be closer to 5'11.4"

Not to argue about it, but he's 6' 0.4", that doesn't equal 6'1", and 245lbs was his previous listed weight, but he's putting up these workout numbers at 237lbs, and pre-combine sizes are notoriously false.

Howard can shed, and scrape, but he also has a hard time with larger blockers and can look to avoid said blockers, instead of facing up, and taking them on. Marcus does show emotion, but he's not particularly mean, plays with a narrow base, doesn't always stay low, and can be driven back. As a Pass rusher Howard is relentless, but he's mainly a speed rusher with limited moves, and his pursuit intensity can be inconsistent.

I don't see him as an obvious Patriots ILB conversion, and he makes a lot more sense in other systems.

 

[PonyExpress]

Being a Gator fan, I've seen a lot of him and Georgia. That said, I'd take Groves in a heartbeat over Howard. Howard was a one year blunder while Groves has been productive the past couple of years.

I haven't read anyone argue that the Pats should take Howard in rd 1 as an OLB.

 

[Kontradiction]

I haven't read anyone argue that the Pats should take Howard in rd 1 as an OLB.

I'm not arguing against it, but I'm not arguing for it either. I would rather have Groves, Gholston, or Rivers over him. But if neither of those three are left, then he's a good choice for the spot. Let's hope I'm wrong and he isn't just a one year blunder if that's the case.

 

[PonyExpress]

he makes a lot more sense in other systems.

I think you're right on, there. He could contribute right away for a 4-3 team as a sit PRusher. For the Pats he would definitely be a project.

 

[BionicPatriot]

Sounds perfect for the Colts, he's slated to go right when they pick too.