Xavien Howard

well-versed in man coverage, typically lining up one-on-one opposite the opponent's top receiver. balanced, coordinated athlete with the fluid hips to turn and run, showing steady acceleration and good (albeit not great) overall speed. physical defender who uses his imposing build and long arms to subtly squeeze receivers toward the sideline, limiting the space into which quarterbacks can attack.

Quick, active hands to rip at the ball as it arrives. Shows good hands for the interception, recording 10 in just two seasons as a starter. Shows good awareness of underneath targets, quickly leaving his primary responsibility to defend against short passes and in run support.

with his broad frame, howard looks more like an nfl safety than a traditional cornerback, but he possesses the natural coverage skills and confidence to remain on the perimeter. after redshirting his first season and seeing limited action in 2013, he emerged as a standout in 2014 and hasn't looked back since, developing into one of the big 12's best all-around corners. with patience, he should develop into a starter at the next level, as well, projecting best in a press-heavy scheme.

--Rob Rang (2/13/16)

too physical for his own good, drawing too many flags for early contact with receivers. lacks elite speed and like most tall cornerbacks, struggles a bit with smaller, quicker receivers, needing a step to gather himself while changing directions and sometimes losing his balance.

Loses track of the ball, at times, on sideline passes, opting to rip at the ball as the receiver attempts to catch it, rather than turning towards the quarterback to potentially secure the interception. Was protected by a fierce pass rush at Baylor, limiting the number of double-moves he faced.

only a two-year starter at baylor.

COMPARES TO

good vision, agility and competitiveness to fight past would-be blockers and is a very willing tackler, showing good extension and strength to make the effective wrap-up stop.

WEAKNESSES

byron maxwell, philadelphia eagles - maxwell earned a massive contract from the eagles after racking up interceptions and big hits opposite all-pro richard sherman in seattle. if protected over the top with a rangy free safety, howard has the size, physicality and ball-skills to continue his big-play ways in the nfl.

IN OUR VIEW

strengths

Sports a broad-shouldered, well-developed frame and excellent size, overall, for the position.

All-state defensive back from Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas

Played defensive back and quarterback under head coach Cornelius McFarland

Named first-team 2011 Class 4A All-State as defensive back by Associated Press following senior season

Led WHS to 2011 area finals

Played for Texas team in Texas-Louisiana High School All-Star Bayou Bowl

Totaled nine interceptions, including two returns for touchdowns, 33 pass breakups and 32 solo tackles as senior in 2011

In final high school game, rushed for 185 yards and two TDs, passed for 245 yards and two TDs and returned two interceptions for TDs

Helped team to 2010 District 22-4A title and bi-district championship with 6-6 overall record as junior

Played varsity basketball and ran track.

Son of Freddy Arroila and Luckcher Howard

Full name is Xavien Dwayne Howard

Born July 4, 1993, in Houston, Texas

Majoring in health, kinesiology and leisure studies.

2015