RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Howard Fest (College Stats) - 1968 NFL Draft Pick #139 by CIN

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Howard Fest (1968 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
  • Name: Howard Fest
  • College: University of Wisconsin
  • Position: Offensive Tackle
College Stats:
  • Games Played: 34
  • Starts: 32
  • Key Contributions: Strong in both pass protection and run blocking

Strengths:

  • Size and Strength: At 6'5", 270 lbs, Fest possessed the ideal size for an offensive tackle. His physicality allowed him to dominate defensive linemen.
  • Technical Skills: Highly regarded for his footwork and hand placement, which made him effective in both pass protection and run blocking schemes.
  • Versatility: Capable of playing both left and right tackle, giving teams flexibility in their offensive line setup.

Weaknesses:

  • Injury Concerns: Had a history of minor injuries during his college career that raised some concerns among scouts.
  • Experience Against Elite Competition: While dominant in college, questions remained about how he would fare against the more skilled pass rushers in the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

Howard Fest was viewed as a solid prospect heading into the 1968 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and technical proficiency made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. While there were concerns regarding his injury history and competition level, many analysts believed that with proper coaching, Fest could develop into a reliable starter at the professional level.