Preston Howard, TE, Maryland: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Tight End (TE) |
|
Jersey Number |
#8 |
|
Class |
R-Senior |
|
School |
Maryland |
|
Height / Weight |
6’5″ / 236 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Arbutus, MD / McDonogh School |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Receiving Productivity
|
Season |
Team |
G |
Rec |
Yds |
Avg |
Rec TD |
|
2023 |
Maryland |
12 |
24 |
189 |
7.9 |
0 |
|
2024 |
Maryland |
12 |
13 |
160 |
12.3 |
1 |
|
2025 |
Auburn |
12 |
10 |
84 |
8.4 |
0 |
|
Total |
36 |
47 |
433 |
9.2 |
1 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics based on his 6’5″ frame and established play style.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.75 – 4.85 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 32.0″ – 34.0″
- Broad Jump: 9’5″ – 9’9″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.30 – 4.40 seconds
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.15 – 7.30 seconds
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
A native of Arbutus, Maryland, Preston Howard brings a unique background to the tight end position, having played quarterback at the high school level at the McDonogh School, where he was a 21-4 starter. His experience under center gives him a distinct advantage in reading defensive coverages and understanding the “why” behind route concepts. After spending time at Auburn during the 2025 season, he rejoined the Maryland Terrapins, offering a high-IQ presence to their tight end room.
Key Strengths
- Football IQ: His background as a former high school quarterback translates well to the next level; he excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and “settling” into gaps to provide a reliable outlet for his signal-caller.
- Frame and Versatility: Possesses the prototypical length (6’5″) for an NFL tight end and has experience contributing in multiple offensive schemes across his collegiate tenure.
- Route Discipline: Displays consistency in his route running, rarely getting phased by complex defensive looks, and uses his frame to shield defenders from the ball.
- Reliability: An experienced target who has played in 36 career games, providing a “safe pair of hands” for coordinators looking for a dependable secondary tight end.
Developmental Focus
To carve out a permanent role at the professional level, Howard must continue to add functional mass to his 236-pound frame to improve his efficacy as an in-line blocker against NFL-sized edge defenders. Additionally, while his route IQ is high, increasing his explosive athleticism and long speed will be necessary to create consistent separation against man-to-man coverage at the pro level.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending