Jordan Howard NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Bears Rookie

POSITIVES

A true junior, Jordan Howard began his career at UAB, but when that football program was due to be closed, he took the opportunity to transfer to Indiana and was allowed to play immediately. He was a heck of a find for the Hoosiers. With 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in the last two seasons, Howard has been consistent as one of the nation's best backs. In fact, he's rushed for at least 100 yards in every game he played all four quarters in.

Howard is an easy, natural runner with next-level instincts. He reads his keys in the blocking game and finds small inside lanes. He spots cutback lanes and will get small to slip through cracks in the line. Once he finds daylight, Howard has the burst to pick up plus yardage.

When approached by a defender, Howard dishes out punishment. He will drop his pads to run over the tackler head-up on his frame and use a timely stiff-arm maneuver in space when angle tacklers come at him. Howard will churn his legs and push through contact. He's a true high-motor runner who gives effort after contact.

After a brilliant career at UAB and Indiana, Howard has proved he can hang with the big boys. His marquee games came against Big Ten powers Michigan and Iowa, and he was putting on a show against Michigan State before injury hit.

NEGATIVES

Howard's major concern is getting injured. He missed time with ankle and knee injuries during the 2015 season. Howard also cracked his pelvis in high school, which is something teams should look at given the punishment he'll take at the position.

Howard lacks suddenness, and his second-gear speed is average by NFL standards. He doesn't show the loose hips to shake defenders in the hole or in space. He's an ideal downhill runner who lacks creativity on outside runs.

Without great speed, Howard can be caught from behind. His straight-up running style also lends itself to big hits in the trenches—which doesn't go well with an oft-injured body. Howard's ability to hold up in the pros will be perhaps the biggest question mark outside of his lack of speed.

Teams needing a back with receiving skills will have to trust Howard's workouts. He's not been featured by either UAB or Indiana in the receiving game.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'11 7/8"

Weight: 230 lbs.

40 Time: N/A

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Chris Ivory, Jacksonville Jaguars
FINAL GRADE: 6.50/9.00 (Rounds 2-3—Future Starter)