Scouting Report: Xavien Howard, CB

Many of you might be asking "who is Xavien Howard?" Well, take a look and let me know what you think.
Scouting Report: Xavien Howard, CB | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2014 NFL Draft

I watched his tape a while ago. To say that he is inconsistent at tracking the ball is an understatement. I couldn't get over how bad he was. Some bizarre plays on his part. He wouldn't be on my board.

manxman2601 said:

I watched his tape a while ago. To say that he is inconsistent at tracking the ball is an understatement. I couldn't get over how bad he was. Some bizarre plays on his part. He wouldn't be on my board.

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Off your board, really? I really liked his tape for the most part. The tracking aspect is weird and it is something I can't explain. He is right there in perfect position and then.....it's like he loses his body control. It's like he gets so excited that he loses his patience and all technique goes out the window. If that can be worked out (which I think it can) he has so many other good qualities.

So are we looking at him going in the 2nd or 3rd?

meatface said:

So are we looking at him going in the 2nd or 3rd?

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I have been working on my big board over the weekend and it has been an interesting exercise. After working on this I am not sure he will end up in my top 60 players but I did give him a 2nd round grade. I think he could very well be available in the 3rd.

I have been intrigued by Howard, mostly because of his size and his experience in press, but I just don't like his decision-making. So many times I've seen him take false steps on a route, or lose the ball in the air, or just outright whiff on a play. Don't think he's caught up mentally with the game -- not a knock on his intelligence, but his football IQ just seems lacking when I watch him. Shame; I really wanted to like him as a player.

I'm not a fan of what I've seen from him but he might be worth a revisit.

manxman2601 said:

I'm not a fan of what I've seen from him but he might be worth a revisit.

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BOOM!!
Right there is what caught my attention on film. He has great size and movement skills. The ball tracking is still an issue for me, but the other stuff I am sold on. I like living on this island by myself, but I will take some company if anyone wants to join me.

manxman2601 said:

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I mean, obviously he saw my report and ...... NAH, but Miller knows his stuff. Glad to see someone else is seeing him the way I do. I was starting to get lonely out here on this island.
I will say though, I really like William Jackson III too. Similar size. He is really good at tracking the ball. Too physical with receivers downfield and not as twitchy in his movements, but another quality DB I wouldn't mind on the Patriots.
Have any of you watched Jackson? Thoughts?

midwestpatsfan said:

I mean, obviously he saw my report and ...... NAH, but Miller knows his stuff. Glad to see someone else is seeing him the way I do. I was starting to get lonely out here on this island.
I will say though, I really like William Jackson III too. Similar size. He is really good at tracking the ball. Too physical with receivers downfield and not as twitchy in his movements, but another quality DB I wouldn't mind on the Patriots.
Have any of you watched Jackson? Thoughts?

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Only a little bit, not enough to form a judgement. I've decided to wait until after the combine before I start re-focusing my watching. Should be able to narrow down potential targets post-combine.

I am trying to finish up some first go around looks on some guys before going back as well. So many players, so little time.

Okay, which game should I watch to change my opinion? I'll keep an open mind.

reamer said:

Okay, which game should I watch to change my opinion? I'll keep an open mind.

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Texas Tech, OK St., Iowa State.