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Could Philadelphia Eagles select O.J. Howard with first-round pick?

By Danielle Williams

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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If O.J. Howard is available, the Philadelphia Eagles could feel tempted to draft the playmaking tight end.

With the signing of a new three-year, $13M contract, it seems safe to say Brent Celek will be a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. Some may believe Celek was replaced by Zach Ertz, but Celek remains a key member of the Eagles’ roster.

Should the Eagles replace Celek in this year’s draft considering he is no longer a threat as a receiving tight end? Check his stats over the past three seasons:

In 2016 Celek started eight games and had 14 receptions for 155 yards with an average of 11.1 yards per catch and zero touchdowns. His longest reception was just 24 yards.

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In 2015 Celek started 13 games, recording 27 receptions for 398 yards with an average of 14.7 yards with three scores.

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) catches a touchdown pass against New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) catches a touchdown pass against New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2014, you guessed it, Celek failed to eclipse 400 yards receiving once again. Celek started 15 games, recording 32 receptions for 340 yards and just one touchdown with an average of 10.6 yards per catch.

During Head Coach Doug Pederson’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs, he applied a lot of two tight end sets. If the Eagles acquire a more dominate tight end, more two tight end sets could be used.

Rumblings throughout the internet suggest the Eagles should draft 6’6”, 251lb Alabama TE O’Terrius Jabari “O.J.” Howard for their first pick if he is still available. Howard is “physical freak”, an excellent blocking/receiving tight end and runs routes like a wideout. The idea of nabbing him is exciting. Pairing him with Ertz could mean dominance. Depending how free agency plays out, drafting Howard could be a good move.

If the Eagles go a different direction with their first-round selection, 250-pound Michigan tight end Jake Butt could also be a good fit in Philadelphia. But with Butt recovering from ACL surgery, he more than likely will go sometime on day three; this could be a steal for the Eagles in the fourth round.

No matter when the Eagles nab a tight end, fan favorite Brent Celek should be downgraded to the third tight end position on the depth chart. His time has passed.

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