Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard (born July 4, 1993) is an American football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Baylor and was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Dolphins.

Xavien Howard
Howard in 2019
No. 25 – Miami Dolphins
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1993-07-04) July 4, 1993
Houston, Texas
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:201 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:Wheatley (Houston, Texas)
College:Baylor
NFL Draft:2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2020
Total tackles:191
Sacks:1.0
Pass deflections:55
Interceptions:22
Forced fumbles:2
Fumble recoveries:1
Touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com

Early years

Howard is a native of the Fifth Ward area of Houston. Howard attended Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas.[1] He played cornerback and quarterback on the football team.[2] He committed to Baylor University to play college football.

College career

Howard played at Baylor from 2012 to 2015.[3] During his career, he had 98 tackles, 10 interceptions 1.5 sacks, and one touchdown. After his junior year, he declared for the 2016 NFL Draft.[4][5]

College statistics
Defense
YearTeamGPTacklesFor LossPasses DefIntFF
2013Baylor350.0011
2014Baylor13514.51340
2015Baylor12421.01050
College Totals28985.523101

Professional career

Howard was one of 59 collegiate defensive backs to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.[6] He completed all of the combine drills and finished tied for 12th among defensive backs in the short shuttle.[7] He attended Baylor's pro day, along with Shawn Oakman, Andrew Billings, Corey Coleman, Spencer Drango, Jimmy Landes, Grant Campbell, LaQuan McGowan, and nine other teammates.[8] Howard opted to redo the majority of workouts and improved on all his combine numbers with scouts and representatives from all 32 NFL teams looking on, including head coaches Mike Tomlin (Steelers) and Bill O'Brien (Texans).[9] He lowered his time in the 40-yard dash (4.44s), increased his vertical jump (38"), and also ran a quicker three-cone drill (6.91s) among others. Howard attended private workouts and visits with multiple NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tennessee Titans.[10][11] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Howard was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the eighth best cornerback prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, was ranked the ninth best cornerback by NFL analysts Mike Mayock and Gil Brandt, and was ranked the 15th best defensive back in the draft by Sports Illustrated.[12][13][14][15]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand size40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 0 1⁄8 in
(1.83 m)		 201 lb
(91 kg)		 31 1⁄4 in
(0.79 m)		 9 1⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		4.58 s1.61 s2.67 s4.15 s7.18 s33 in
(0.84 m)		10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		11 reps
All values from NFL Combine[16]

The Miami Dolphins selected Howard in the second round with the 38th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.[17] In order to draft Howard, the Miami Dolphins traded their second-round pick (42nd overall) and fourth-round pick (107th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens' in exchange for their second-round pick (38th overall). The Ravens went on to draft Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa with their second-round pick and Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Moore with their fourth-round pick.[18] Howard was the sixth cornerback selected in 2016.

2016

On May 18, 2016, the Miami Dolphins signed Howard to a four-year, $6.12 million contract with $3.83 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.65 million.[19][20]

During organized team activities and minicamp, Howard competed for job as the No. 2 starting cornerback against Tony Lippett.[21] On the final day of minicamp, Howard suffered a knee injury and was placed on the physically unable to perform list after it was discovered he would require surgery. Howard underwent arthroscopy surgery and was unable to physically participate in training camp.[22] Although he missed the first three preseason games, head coach Adam Gase elected to name Howard the second starting cornerback, alongside veteran Byron Maxwell, to begin the regular season.[23]

He started the Miami Dolphins' season-opener at the Seattle Seahawks and recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles during their 12–10 loss. On October 6, 2016, Howard suffered another knee injury during practice. The meniscus injury required surgery and he missed the next nine games (Weeks 5–14).[24] On December 17, 2016, Howard appeared in his first game since his knee injury and collected three solo tackles and had a season-high three pass deflections during a 34–13 victory at the New York Jets.[25] He finished his rookie season in 2016 with 40 combined tackles (29 solo) and six pass breakups in eight games and eight starts.[26] The Miami Dolphins finished their first season under head coach Adam Gase second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record. On January 8, 2017, Howard started his first career playoff game and recorded five combined tackles, broke up two passes, and made his first career interception off of a pass attempt by Ben Roethlisberger as the Dolphins were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round.[25]

2017

Howard entered training camp in 2017, slated as the Miami Dolphins' No. 1 cornerback.[27] He was named the starting cornerback to start the regular season, along with Byron Maxwell. Bobby McCain and Alterraun Verner were named the backup cornerbacks.[28]

Howard started the Miami Dolphins' season-opener at the Los Angeles Chargers and recorded a season-high seven combined tackles during their 19–17 victory. In Week 13, Howard recorded a solo tackle, a season-high five pass breakups, two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during the Dolphins' 35–9 win against the Denver Broncos. During the second quarter, Howard intercepted a pass by Trevor Siemian and returned it for a 30-yard touchdown to mark the first score of his career.[29] The following week, he deflected three passes and intercepted New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady twice during their 27–20 win on Monday Night Football. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Patriots.[30] On December 17, 2017, Howard collected four solo tackles and made his first career sack on Tyrod Taylor, as the Dolphins were defeated by the Buffalo Bills 24–16.[31] Howard finished 2017 with 48 combined tackles (42 solo), 13 pass deflections, four interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.[26]

2018

During the New York Jets home opener in Week 2, Xavien Howard got his first interception of the season. One week later, Howard recorded his third career game with two interceptions on Derek Carr in the 28–20 victory over the Oakland Raiders.[32] Howard also intercepted Colts' quarterback Andrew Luck twice in a span of 14 seconds during the Dolphins' loss on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. In Week 13 of the 2018 season, Howard injured his knee after intercepting Bills' quarterback Josh Allen for the second time that afternoon. He went on to miss the final four games of the regular season. Howard ended the 2018 season leading the league interceptions with Chicago Bears corner Kyle Fuller and Atlanta Falcons safety Damontae Kazee with seven.[33] Howard was named to his first Pro Bowl and first second-team All-Pro.

2019

On May 9, 2019, Howard signed a five-year, $76.5 million contract extension with the Dolphins with $46 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.[34] In week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, Howard was ejected after slapping wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. on the facemask. Prior to being ejected, Howard recorded two tackles in the 31-6 loss.[35] Howard was forced to miss the next three games due to a knee injury. He made his return in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the game, Howard recorded an interception off a pass from Mason Rudolph that was intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster before reinjuring his knee. Without Howard, the Dolphins lost 27-14.[36] He was placed on injured reserve on October 29, 2019 with a knee injury.[37]

2020

Howard was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list by the Dolphins at the start of training camp on July 28, 2020.[38] He was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on August 11, 2020.[39] He was activated from both lists on August 27, 2020.[40]

In Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football, Howard recorded his first interception of the season during the 31–13 win.[41] In Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, Howard recorded his second interception of the season off a pass thrown by Russell Wilson during the 31–23 loss. Howard’s second interception surpassed his previous season’s interception total.[42] In Week 6 against the New York Jets, Howard recorded an interception off a pass thrown by Joe Flacco during the 24–0 win. This was Howard's fourth game in a row with an interception.[43] In Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Howard was ejected after he and Tyler Boyd were involved in an altercation. Before Howard was ejected, he recorded his eighth interception of the season, a career high.[44] In Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Howard recorded a one handed interception off a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes during the 33–27 loss.[45] In Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills, Howard recorded his league leading 10th interception of the season off a pass thrown by Matt Barkley during the 56–26 loss.[46] On January 8, 2021, Howard was named as a 1st-team All-Pro, the first time he had earned that honor (he had been a 2nd-team All-Pro in 2018).

NFL career statistics
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season
Season Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
YearTeamGPGSCombTotalAstSackPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFR
2016MIA 764029110.060000010
2017MIA 1616484261.01347117.830100
2018MIA 12123525100.0127524.739001
2019MIA 55171250.04100.00000
2020MIA 16165140110.02010777.729010
Career5655191148431.054222009.139121

References
  1. "Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is a mentor on a mission in the Fifth Ward". HoustonChronicle.com. June 30, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  2. The X-factor: Big 12 offenses keeping Baylor CB Xavien Howard busy
  3. "Xavien Howard College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  4. Baylor CB Xavien Howard declares for 2016 NFL Draft
  5. Baylor CB Xavien Howard declares for NFL draft
  6. Christopher Gates (March 2, 2016). "2016 NFL Scouting Combine Workout Results: Defensive Backs". dailynorseman.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  7. "NFL.com: 2016 NFL Combine: Short shuttle rankings (CB/S)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  8. Gil Brandt (March 16, 2016). "400 lb. Tight end among those to impress at Baylor's Pro Day". NFL.com. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  9. Jake Hill (March 16, 2016). "Baylor Football holds 2016 Pro Day". Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  10. Sander Philipse (April 5, 2016). "NFL Draft 2016: Buccaneers' prospect workouts, private visits, pro days and more". bucsnation.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  11. Terry Lambert (March 19, 2016). "Breaking down potential Titans' target Xavien Howard". musiccitymiracles.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  12. "*Xavien Howard, DS #8 CB, Baylor". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  13. Chris Burke (April 12, 2016). "2016 NFL Draft Position Rankings". si.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  14. Mike Mayock (April 25, 2016). "Mike Mayock's 2016 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  15. Gil Brandt (April 18, 2016). "Hot 100 + 40: Laremy Tunsil is top prospect in 2016 NFL Draft". NFL.Com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  16. "NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles – Xavien Howard". nfl.com. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  17. Poupart, Alain (December 13, 2017). "Dolphins Select Howard In Second Round". MiamiDolphins.com.
  18. Adam Beasley (April 26, 2017). "Miami Dolphins trade up for Baylor corner Xavien Howard". miamiherald.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  19. "Overthecap.com: Xavien Howard contract". over the cap.com. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  20. "Spotrac.com: Xavien Howard contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  21. Andrew Abramson (June 6, 2017). "Porous Miami Dolphins secondary counting on rookie Xavien Howard". mypalmbeachpost.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  22. "Injury to land Xavien Howard on PUP". miamiherald.typepad.com. July 16, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  23. Kevin Nogle (September 6, 2017). "Dolphins depth chart 2016: Arian Foster named starting running back, Laremy Tunsil left guard". thephinsider.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  24. Kevin Nogle (October 8, 2016). "Xavien Howard undergoes knee surgery". thephinsider.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  25. "NFL Player stats: Xavien Howard". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  26. "NFL Player stats: Xavien Howard (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  27. Antwan Staley (August 27, 2017). "Dolphins CB Alterraun Verner has a shot at winning starting job". dolphinswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  28. Jason Lieser (September 12, 2017). "Dolphins' Week 1 depth chart gives some hints on starting jobs". dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  29. "NFL Game Center: Week 13-2017: Denver Broncos @ Miami Dolphins". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  30. Maya, Adam (December 13, 2017). "Ben Roethlisberger among NFL Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  31. "NFL Game Center: Week 15-2017: Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  32. "Dolphins' Xavien Howard: Snags two interceptions Sunday". CBSSports.com. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  33. "2018 NFL Defense". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  34. "Xavien Howard to sign 5-year, $76.5M extension". NFL.com. May 9, 2019.
  35. "Prescott, Cowboys get out of funk, ease past Dolphins 31-6". www.espn.com. Associated Press. September 22, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  36. "Steelers overcome slow start, drop winless Dolphins 27-14". www.espn.com. Associated Press. October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  37. Wolfe, Cameron (October 29, 2019). "Source: Dolphins top CB Xavien Howard going on IR with knee injury". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  38. "Xavien Howard Placed On Active/PUP List". MiamiDolphins.com. July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  39. "Xavien Howard Placed On Reserve/COVID-19 List". MiamiDolphins.com. August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  40. "Dolphins Activate Xavien Howard, Sign Avery Moss". MiamiDolphins.com. August 27, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  41. "Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars - September 24th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  42. "Seattle Seahawks at Miami Dolphins - October 4th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  43. "New York Jets at Miami Dolphins - October 18th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  44. Gresham, Chet (December 6, 2020). "Tyler Boyd and Xavien Howard both ejected in Week 13 after throwing punches [VIDEO]". DraftKings Nation. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  45. "Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins - December 13th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
  46. "Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - January 3rd, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
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