Lets go get Howard - Bookend for Ware!

[Bob Sacamano]

Thomas Howard
2006 NFL Draft Prospects

from Michael E. Modahl


Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P


Position: Linebacker
School: UTEP

Status: Senior

Height: 6-3

Weight: 240

40-Yard Dash: 4.47 (EST)

Positives:
Thomas Howard has rare speed, comparable to that of may wide recievers. He is the physical and emotional leader of the defense. His athleticism surpasses that of his more ballyhooed rivals like A.J Hawk and Chad Greenway. He roams the field like a defensive back and is an excellent wrap-up tackler. His speed and athleticism makes him an ideal fit in an aggressive 3-4 defense as a blitzing linebacker.
Negatives:
Howard is still raw. He often relies merely on his athleticism to make plays. That will fly at the college level against non-power teams, but he could look like a lost puppy at the NFL level. His instincts must improve.

Overview:
Howard still needs work. He will have to improve his ability to diagnose plays and them make them at the next level. We have seen plenty of good linebackers come from small schools and produce in the NFL, so his time at UTEP should not be looked down upon.

Howard's sheer athletic ability should make him a hot commodity on draft day. With patience and good coaching, he should be a star. I see Howard as a mid-to-late first round selection. A situation like the Steelers or another 3-4 team would be best for Howard considering I liken him to a young Joey Porter.Suggested Reading

I'll take Manny Lawson

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Manny Lawson is Ware - another DE type.

exactly what we need, we need a pass-rusher on the opposite side, and which Lawson is better at, and he's 250+ and can take on OLineman better

 

[Bobo]

Doesn't play as big as the hype to me. Doesn't look as big as he's listed either. Don't be enamored by the 40 time, there's several better LB's in the draft IMO.

 

[Cowboy Junkie]

I have hesitated to respond to you because, well NM.

I obviously am a fan of a hated rival. I dont stir the pot (usually), I am simply here to talk some good football.
Do I talk smack during Commanders/Cowboys week ? Of course I do, it would be unnatural not to.
There are a lot of quality posters on this board that are well informed and objective.

aznhalf and gbrittain, I appreciate the kind words.

Mol Mol, spend some time on the board, take a moment to review my posts if you wish. Personally, I could care less. But if it will make you feel any better about the situation feel free.

do not want to attack the other poster , but I will say I enjoy your post....
It is nice to hear the insight from a non-Cowboy fan... One that can be impartial....One that dose not get too high or low.....
Even though you are a Skins fan , you bring a lot to the forum....

Now what can we do about that Skins fan stuff ???

 

[5mics]

Thomas Howard
2006 NFL Draft Prospects

from Michael E. Modahl


Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P


Position: Linebacker
School: UTEP

Status: Senior

Height: 6-3

Weight: 240

40-Yard Dash: 4.47 (EST)

Positives:
Thomas Howard has rare speed, comparable to that of may wide recievers. He is the physical and emotional leader of the defense. His athleticism surpasses that of his more ballyhooed rivals like A.J Hawk and Chad Greenway. He roams the field like a defensive back and is an excellent wrap-up tackler. His speed and athleticism makes him an ideal fit in an aggressive 3-4 defense as a blitzing linebacker.
Negatives:
Howard is still raw. He often relies merely on his athleticism to make plays. That will fly at the college level against non-power teams, but he could look like a lost puppy at the NFL level. His instincts must improve.

Overview:
Howard still needs work. He will have to improve his ability to diagnose plays and them make them at the next level. We have seen plenty of good linebackers come from small schools and produce in the NFL, so his time at UTEP should not be looked down upon.

Howard's sheer athletic ability should make him a hot commodity on draft day. With patience and good coaching, he should be a star. I see Howard as a mid-to-late first round selection. A situation like the Steelers or another 3-4 team would be best for Howard considering I liken him to a young Joey Porter.Suggested Reading

So Nors, you'd rather have Howard than Kiwanuka???

 

[Doomsdayblitz]

Als is a 30 something LB that was at 228 when we signed him. He never could handle 235.

Howard is 6-3 240 at age 21/22. He'll grow into a 250 frame at 4.47 speed with edge rush skills!

Manny Lawson is Ware - another DE type. We need a playmaker like Howard opposite side. Bump Burnett inside.....

Nors, there's already a 6-3, 255 lb. OLB w/4.55 speed out there who has faced top notch competition week in & week out. The name's Bobby Carpenter. He led the Big Ten with sacks by LBs with 10 this year, and he missed two games! He is head & shoulders above Howard as far as experience, instinct, strength, & play against top competition. Nothing against the UTEP trainers, but I'll wait until the combine before believing that 40 time. Besides, speed doesn't mean anything if you don't know where you're going.

Carpenter is great at stuffing the run, or making the big play with a sack or TFL. I watched all of the OSU LBs play just about every game in their college career, and there were several times when A.J. Hawk was the second best LB on the team. Carpenter would just take over a game. To me, those are the kind of guys we need. He will also take a lot of heat off of D.Ware, which will create all sorts of mayhem.

 

[Nors]

But there are 32 teams and only 1 Carpenter. We would have to be more than lucky to procure him. He's bordering on staggering overrated.

Schleigel is the value LB on that team. 4TH ROUND GEM.

Howard, Lawson just early draft looksies - we have the need.

 

[junk]

But there are 32 teams and only 1 Carpenter. We would have to be more than lucky to procure him. He's bordering on staggering overrated.

Schleigel is the value LB on that team. 4TH ROUND GEM.

Howard, Lawson just early draft looksies - we have the need.

I'll agree there is a lot of Carpenter hype. I'll also agree he fits the needs of a 3-4 team well and will be in demand by teams like NE, SF, Dallas, Cleveland and Miami.

I kind of doubt he ends up in Dallas simply because it seems to make sense. Good fit physically, comes from a Big 10 school, dad is a coach, dad is a former Parcells player. Can cover, can rush the passer, can play the run. The thing that concerns me about these DE converts is that Dallas will be in the same boat as last year with Ware....except I think the strong side is more complex.

I am hoping a good prospect is available in 1 or 2 and Burnett steps up enough to fill that ILB spot opposite James. The uncertainity around Burnett almost makes me think Dallas should add another ILB as well.

 

[Rush 2112]

Part of the reason the strong side is so complex in Dallas is that our FS sucks so bad.

Who would you have on a good TE?

Fuji/Al or Keith Davis?

 

[junk]

Part of the reason the strong side is so complex in Dallas is that our FS sucks so bad.

Who would you have on a good TE?

Fuji/Al or Keith Davis?

Well, I'd have the LB bump him and redirect him to a FS and then.....the other team would score a touchdown.

Need some upgrades. Not exactly sure how the team is going to get everything done this offseason.

Probably a whole different topic, but who are the guys you roll the dice with and hope they develop enough from this year to next?

I'd say probably ILB. Give it a go with Fowler/Shanle/Burnett. Upgrade OLB.

FS? I know people want to go FS in 1, but I don't see it. I'd like a guy like Hope, but his price is probably rising weekly. Does Davis make a leap this year?

OT? I think the team really needs a vet, but who? The free agents are a pretty dreadful bunch this year.

Its going to be interesting to see how they approach this offseason. A lot of different routes they could take. Not to mention that it'd be nice to actually add some youth to the offensive side of the ball.

People want to talk about how close Dallas is, but I just keep coming back to big holes at OLB, ILB, FS, OL and that 35-7 thrashing at the hands of the skins.

 

[Rush 2112]

Well, I'd have the LB bump him and redirect him to a FS and then.....the other team would score a touchdown.

Need some upgrades. Not exactly sure how the team is going to get everything done this offseason.

Probably a whole different topic, but who are the guys you roll the dice with and hope they develop enough from this year to next?

I'd say probably ILB. Give it a go with Fowler/Shanle/Burnett. Upgrade OLB.

FS? I know people want to go FS in 1, but I don't see it. I'd like a guy like Hope, but his price is probably rising weekly. Does Davis make a leap this year?

OT? I think the team really needs a vet, but who? The free agents are a pretty dreadful bunch this year.

Its going to be interesting to see how they approach this offseason. A lot of different routes they could take. Not to mention that it'd be nice to actually add some youth to the offensive side of the ball.

People want to talk about how close Dallas is, but I just keep coming back to big holes at OLB, ILB, FS, OL and that 35-7 thrashing at the hands of the skins.

I don't roll the dice anywhere, but I don't go expensive at RT or FS.

If we go vet at RT we're basically talking about adding another 30 year old guy to the OL. No good young one will be without a 30 mill price tag with 10 mill bonus.

I go Dexter Jackson or Hope at FS and address RT 2-3. May the best man win.

If one says BP is going to stand by Petiti at RT it's not as if we had any depth there any ways.

FA: Young Vet ILB, FS, K

Draft: OLB, NT, RT, OG, WR.

2-3 pieces from having a SB caliber front seven.

Until we fix that and then the OL there is no use in fielding a team

 

[Nors]

I don't roll the dice anywhere, but I don't go expensive at RT or FS.


WELL WHAT IS IT - GO CHEAP YOU ARE ROLLING DICE - AGAIN

If we go vet at RT we're basically talking about adding another 30 year old guy to the OL. No good young one will be without a 30 mill price tag with 10 mill bonus.

NOT TRUE

I go Dexter Jackson or Hope at FS and address RT 2-3. May the best man win.

JACKSON WAS AVAILABLE LAST OFFSEASON TOO

If one says BP is going to stand by Petiti at RT it's not as if we had any depth there any ways.

PETITTI HAS PROVEN HE CAN'T BE A STARTING TACKLE, AS HAS THE BACKUP TUCKER TWICE NOW - LETS NOT ADDRESS THAT?


FA: Young Vet ILB, FS, K

TACKLE, K, FB

Draft: OLB, NT, RT, OG, WR.

TE, NT, OLB, WR, FS

2-3 pieces from having a SB caliber front seven.

Until we fix that and then the OL there is no use in fielding a team

DRAMA QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!! - WITH ALL OUR WARTS WE STILL BEAT CAROLINA AND PLAYED SEATTLE AND DENVER HEAD UP

Fix Tackle and we contend - address FS and our D is dominant

 

[Rush 2112]

I'd rather be an accurate drama queen than a confused drag queen.

Which SB 3-4 front seven does ours compare to?

Which SB 3-4 LB group does ours compare to?

I'm sure Shanle/Fowler remind you of Johnson and Bruschi but it ain't happenin.

Sounds like your saying RT and FS first day and we don't address LB or NT?

Correct?

How did those Seatlle and Denver games turn out again?

 

[junk]

Fix Tackle and we contend - address FS and our D is dominant

Who is the young RT that can be had? I am not even talking for a big bonus. Just a decent young RT in free agency.

I am guessing you say Ashworth.

 

[Nors]

I'd rather be an accurate drama queen than a confused drag queen.

WHATS NEXT - YO MOMMA JOKES

Which SB 3-4 front seven does ours compare to?

ALL D'S ARE UNIQUE - WE HAVE A SOLID NUCLEUS UPFRONT. LOOK AT GIANTS 3-4 IN LATE 80'S....


Which SB 3-4 LB group does ours compare to?

ONE MORE DRAFT - WIP

I'm sure Shanle/Fowler remind you of Johnson and Bruschi but it ain't happenin.

YOU SAID THAT - NOT ME

Sounds like your saying RT and FS first day and we don't address LB or NT?

I SAID DRAFT NT AND FS - REREAD MY POST

Correct?

????

How did those Seatlle and Denver games turn out again?
WE OUTPLAYED THEM AND LOST BOTH ON MUFFED FG'S

BRING FA AND DRAFT - WE ARE CLOSE!

 

[Rush 2112]

The whole draft is rolling the dice?

Would you suggest we draft another RT like Mike Williams?

Really can't even address your posts cuz they're muddled in the middle of qouting mine.

 

[Cowboys&Caps]

Thomas Howard
2006 NFL Draft Prospects

from Michael E. Modahl


Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P


Position: Linebacker
School: UTEP

Status: Senior

Height: 6-3

Weight: 240

40-Yard Dash: 4.47 (EST)

Positives:
Thomas Howard has rare speed, comparable to that of may wide recievers. He is the physical and emotional leader of the defense. His athleticism surpasses that of his more ballyhooed rivals like A.J Hawk and Chad Greenway. He roams the field like a defensive back and is an excellent wrap-up tackler. His speed and athleticism makes him an ideal fit in an aggressive 3-4 defense as a blitzing linebacker.
Negatives:
Howard is still raw. He often relies merely on his athleticism to make plays. That will fly at the college level against non-power teams, but he could look like a lost puppy at the NFL level. His instincts must improve.

Overview:
Howard still needs work. He will have to improve his ability to diagnose plays and them make them at the next level. We have seen plenty of good linebackers come from small schools and produce in the NFL, so his time at UTEP should not be looked down upon.

Howard's sheer athletic ability should make him a hot commodity on draft day. With patience and good coaching, he should be a star. I see Howard as a mid-to-late first round selection. A situation like the Steelers or another 3-4 team would be best for Howard considering I liken him to a young Joey Porter.Suggested Reading

Very, Very bad idea he is very raw rather smallish and played against bad competition in college so he would need alot of time for adjusting to the pros. We should get him if he's there in the third but we really don't have first round picks to just be throwing around at linebackers unless we wanna trade up for Mr. Hawk

 

[Nors]

UCLA LB Spencer Havner may have delivered the hits of the afternoon when he took on a couple of receivers swinging out of the backfield, then recovered nicely to stay in coverage. Fellow LBs DeMeco Ryans of Alabama and Thomas Howard of UTEP also showed excellent lateral range. Ryans also had a nifty pass breakup, but may have been out of position on another coverage… More evidence that while we all love to look for those proverbial ‘sleepers,’ the draft is still very much a Division 1a affair; indeed, Northwestern State DB David Pittman is only player in Mobile not from a D1A school.

 

[rexrobinson]

I am still sold right now on Manny Lawson. He is a freak Julius Peppers type athlete.

He is 240 right now, a bit on the lean side, but that is nothing a 3 peice and a bisquet now and then wont fix.

He is blazing fast for his size and height. You can make a guy stronger and weight more, but you cant make him faster and he is hands down the fastest OLB in the draft this year, heck he is faster than 90% of the entire draft class.

In a 3-4 Speed is really the X factor. We need him on occasion to drop back an cover a TE, and chuck a Slot receiver sometimes. In a 3-4 the OLB needs to be quick. I think he fits in perfectly.

However, if we draft Carpenter instead, I wont be dissapointed.

 

[WoodysGirl]

NCAA | T. Howard impresses scouts with quickness
Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:41:39 -0800

Fred Albers, of KTSM.com, reports UTEP LB Thomas Howard has impressed NFL scouts so far with his quickness during the early practices. Howard is still projected to be drafted anywhere from the 2nd round to the 4th round.