10 Fringe Prospects Who Boosted Their Value at the NFL Combine

Bug Howard, WR, North Carolina

Profile: 6’4”, 221 lbs., 33-1/8” arms, 10-3/8” hands

Jonathan “Bug” Howard has a great name, but one that isn’t going to be at the top of anyone’s prospect lists for this draft class. The North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver might take umbrage with that, though; he’s good.

Bug’s nickname is fun -- but, if anything, he’ll be squishing opposing defensive backs. His big hands and long arms make him a sure bet for red-zone work, as do his 4.58 40-yard dash, 37.5-inch vertical, and 9’11” broad jump. He’s also agile for his size, though -- he smoothly slid his way to a silky 4.14 short shuttle and 6.95 three-cone drill.

Howard really broke out this year with 827 yards and 8 touchdowns on his 53 catches. His 15.60 receiving yards per reception were the 28th-most among FBS wideouts with at least 50 receptions. If he can play smoothly and continue to fight off the contact he’ll draw as a slower possession receiver, Howard could be a productive player.

Among his best physical comps are Brian Quick (94.41%), Sylvester Morris (94.22%), and Maurice Stovall (93.81%).