Raiders RT Austin Howard Looks to Finish Strong in 2017
When you examine the talent along the Oakland offensive line, one thing remains clear. Despite Austin Howard, the Raiders rightfully claim the best o-line in the NFL. Yet, no one truly knows why Howard continues to stay on the roster. Year after year, he dons the number 77, in hopes that this is the year everything clicks for him. There are three forces working against Howard in 2017.
His Contract: In 2014, when Rodger Saffold failed his physical, nixing a five-year, 42 million dollar contract, the Raiders needed line help. Austin Howard arrived in Oakland with a reputation for excelling on physical Jets teams. Signing a five-year, 30 million dollar deal, the Raiders expected Howard to shore up the right tackle spot. However, most regard his tenure as disappointing at best. To his credit, if Howard had signed a smaller contract, no one would rail on him for it. In contract, Howard is not at fault for signing. Anyone claiming they wouldn’t take the money is not being honest. Similarly, Howard took what should be his last big NFL deal.
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Skills: Granted, Howard is not a terrible player. In reality, he is a serviceable run blocker with decent power and leg drive. For his height, he bends fairly well and keeps a sturdy base. At the same time, his pass blocking is subpar. Where Howard goes wrong is the over/under aggression issue. That is to say, early in the game, he fires off toward the rusher. Full bore. If the defender counters Howard’s initial punch, issues start. On the next pass play, Howard will not repeat what he just did. Unfortunately, the plan becomes more passive and reactive. The worst thing for Howard during games is surrendering earlier pressure. While his maintains some confidence, you can see the wheels spinning in his head. When he’s beaten, Howard grabs excessively. As evidence, his penalty log bears this out. Blocking is instinctive, coupled with technique. Sound pass blocking eludes Howard.
Competition: Unlike past years, the Raiders appear to attack depth issues that plague the offensive line. Signing Marshall Newhouse signifies that Howard’s grasp on the RT spot is shaky at best. Plus, picking at number 24 in the draft allows Oakland to observe offensive line talent. Players like Wisconsin OT Ryan Ramcyzk stand out as future NFL starters.
RaiderNation should not want Austin Howard to leave just yet. He serves as the only semi-reliable OL depth the Oakland Raiders have. Be that as it may, his dead cap number rests at 2.8 million. Although he’s an expensive reserve, better to have him than not, at this point.
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