Prospect Watch: Xavien Howard

The Buccaneers secondary last year was a disaster as it allowed 31 passing tds and 70% completion percentage for opposing Qbs. Poor scheme and coaching played a factor in that as well as the constant shuffling among the corners and safeties. Well so far the Bucs have improved that area this offseason with new coaches in defensive coordinator Mike Smith, secondary coach Jon Hoke, and defensive backs coach Brett Maxie. The Bucs also signed pro bowl corner Brent Grimes, former Vikings third round pick Josh Robinson along with bringing back safeties Chris Conte, Keith Tandy, and Bradley Mcdougald. In addition to having Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner return back to form, the secondary looks much stronger on paper then it did a few months ago. This current group should be much better in this aggressive scheme and it should allow the secondary to make more plays on the ball.

With that being said lets take a look at Baylor cornerback Xavien Howard who is expected to have a private visit with the Bucs per walterfootball.com. Howard has prototypical size for a corner at 6'0 201lbs which allows him to use his length to get his hands on the football often. In his two seasons as a starter at Baylor, he had 23 pass breakups and 9 interceptions along with 93 tackles. Howard plays very aggressive and loves to play press man coverage. He has "see ball, get ball" playing style and brings a physical playing style that NFL teams will covet. Sometimes his aggressiveness can be his weakness as he does get handsy at times if he thinks he is getting beat which led to 14 pass interferences calls over the past two years. He needs to work on his technique and run support as his play was uneven during his two seasons as starter.

I think he would be a great fit for the Bucs defense, and would bring more depth to the corner position. Howard has everything teams want in a corner with size, 4.4 speed, and an ballhawk mentality. Howard would be solid late day 2, early day 3 pick and in time could be a really good starting corner in this league.