Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Gene Howard () - 1968 NFL Draft Pick #175 by NO

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

Player Profile:

• Name: Gene Howard
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: University of San Francisco

Overview:

Gene Howard emerged as a notable defensive back during his college career, showcasing a unique blend of speed, agility, and ball-hawking skills. His performance at the University of San Francisco caught the attention of NFL scouts and analysts leading up to the 1968 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Howard's quickness allowed him to cover ground effectively and stay close to receivers.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated excellent hands and the ability to make interceptions, contributing significantly to his team's defensive efforts.
• Football IQ: Howard showed a strong understanding of the game, often reading plays well and positioning himself advantageously.

Areas for Improvement:

• Physicality: While agile, there were concerns about his ability to tackle effectively against larger, more physical receivers in the NFL.
• Consistency: His performance varied at times, leading to questions about his ability to maintain a high level of play throughout an entire season.

Projected Draft Position:

Gene Howard was projected to be selected in the middle rounds of the 1968 NFL Draft, with teams looking for depth in their secondary and a potential starter who could develop into a reliable player.

Overall Assessment:

With his combination of speed, intelligence, and playmaking ability, Gene Howard was seen as a solid prospect in the 1968 NFL Draft. Teams were intrigued by his potential, and he was expected to make an impact at the professional level, particularly in a league that was increasingly valuing skilled defensive backs.