2016 NFL Draft: Baylor’s Xavien Howard Scouting Report

Baylor’s Xavien Howard Scouting Report

Xavien Howard is a big-bodied cornerback prospect who uses his length and size to find success. He not only has length but also the bulk to fight through contact and deal with bigger wide receivers. However, his lack of top-end speed is a cause for concern.

Howard ran a 4.58 40-time at the combine which backs up what shows up on the game tape. He struggles keeping pace with receivers and has a tendency to give up some big plays down the field. However, he has a solid short-area burst that helps him click and close on the football.

His click and close ability makes him a better fit in zone coverage where he can drop and read the quarterback. However, Howard shows enough change of direction skills that he could work in man coverage with some help over the top.

He’s able to remain in-phase with the receiver because he plays with balance and is committed to keeping his pads down.

Howard has to improve his ability to locate and track the football. He struggles to locate the ball when he turns his head back towards the quarterback. This is an issue when he’s asked to play on an island in man coverage.

He also needs to show more effort and tenacity as a run defender. There are too many times where he fails to attack the line of scrimmage.

Howard’s size makes him an attractive prospects and even more so in today’s NFL. However, he needs to show better ball skills and the ability to locate the football. His limited speed is an issue and something that could hurt his draft stock.

Draft Range- 4^th Round