For an undrafted rookie free agent, Austin Howard sure has made an impression. And, it extends far beyond the Eagles coaches and fans. National pundits are taking notice of the first year tackle from the University of Northern Iowa.
Howard was one of six “no-name surprises” listed by FoxSports.com.
Austin Howard has earned national attention during training camp.
“Howard could be the biggest surprise of 2010 so far for this team. He didn’t get invited to any All-Star games and wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, so how has Howard seemingly won the backup left tackle job this early?
Early in training camp, third-year OT King Dunlap was moved from left tackle to the right side, leaving the rookie as the top backup to starting LT Jason Peters. When you consider he only played left tackle in college for two seasons (he played tight end before that), his ascension up the depth chart is even more amazing.
But his signing with Philadelphia wasn’t a given. The Chargers, Steelers, Bengals, Cowboys, Vikings and Rams all tried to sign him after the draft. Philadelphia’s offensive line coach Juan Castillo first saw Howard while watching his son, Gregory, play cornerback at the University of Iowa last season. Howard was on the other side in that game with the University of Northern Iowa. Castillo kept in touch with the offensive lineman over the next several months after Philadelphia’s season ended leading up to the draft. Right after the draft, Philadelphia stepped up and gave Howard a three-year deal with a $15,000 signing bonus. Most undrafted free agents get less than $3,000 for a signing bonus, if they get anything at all.
So, Philadelphia’s aggressiveness paid off. Now they might have one of the biggest draft steals in recent years.“
With the way Jason Peters has played in his year-plus in Philly, and the amount he’s been “shaken up” in games, Howard may be counted on more than you’d think. Let’s hope he can keep rolling into the season on a hot streak.
