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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Pat Howell (College Stats) - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #49 by ATL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Pat Howell (1979 NFL Draft)

Player Overview: Pat Howell was a standout player at the collegiate level, showcasing impressive skills and versatility that made him a valuable asset for any NFL team. His performance in college set the stage for his entry into the professional league.

  • College: University of California, Berkeley
  • Position: Offensive Tackle
  • Height/Weight: 6'6", 290 lbs

Strengths:

  • Physical Attributes: Howell possessed an ideal size for an offensive tackle, combining height and weight that allowed him to effectively handle defensive linemen.
  • Blocking Skills: He demonstrated exceptional blocking techniques, both in pass protection and run blocking, which made him a reliable protector for the quarterback.
  • Football IQ: Howell had a strong understanding of the game, often recognized for his ability to read defenses and adjust his blocking assignments accordingly.
  • Durability: Throughout his college career, he showed remarkable durability, missing minimal games due to injury, which is a key factor for offensive linemen in the NFL.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Experience Against Elite Competition: While Howell performed well in college, there were concerns about how he would fare against the speed and strength of NFL-level athletes.
  • Technique Refinement: Although he had strong fundamentals, some scouts noted that Howell could benefit from refining his hand placement and footwork to enhance his overall blocking efficiency.

Draft Projection:

Pat Howell was projected to be selected in the early rounds of the 1979 NFL Draft, with many teams interested in his potential as a starting offensive tackle. His combination of size, skill, and football intelligence made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive lines.

Conclusion:

Pat Howell was viewed as a promising talent heading into the 1979 NFL Draft, with the potential to develop into a solid contributor at the professional level. His college performance laid a strong foundation for his future career in the NFL.