2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alex Howard, LB, Duke

Name: Alex Howard

College: Duke

Height: 6’2

Weight: 230

Games Watched: NCUN, TNMI, CTUN

Strengths: pass coverage, decent range, instincts

Weaknesses: tackling, lacks explosiveness/twitch, shed blocks, pass rush

Summary: 5th-year senior.  Starts at LB.  Transferred from Youngstown State.  Long-limbed LB with size and frame to hold more weight.  Below-average run defender, above-average in pass coverage, below-average as a pass rusher.  As a run defender he is below-average.  Flows to the ball well, has good instincts, can take on blocks, flashes some decent range but isn’t especially explosive and overpursues.

Big problem is he’s a poor tackler; misses way too many easy tackles, whiffs in space, struggles to bend and shed, press and disengage off blocks.  More of a drag-down guy when he’s able to reach point of contact, not a thumper who can dislodge the ball.  Stumbles on his own when coming out of a backpedal.  In pass coverage, he is above-average.  Has ability to cover and carry receivers.  Can stay handsy without getting flagged.  As a pass rusher he is below-average.  Lacks explosiveness and struggles to reach the Q in time. 

Projection: Round 6/7.