Most of the 330 players at the Scouting Combine this past week will never be as good in the NFL as they were in college.

There are sure to be a few exceptions, though. One of them could be former Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, who may have his best football in front of him. There’s reason to believe that he’s only scratched the surface thus far.

A 5-star recruit out of high school and the No. 1 player at his position for the class of 2013, Howard only caught 114 passes in four seasons — 7 touchdown receptions in 57 career games was also lower than expected — with the Crimson Tide. Even as a senior in 2016, he simply wasn’t targeted in the passing game very often.

However, he’s clearly not afraid of a big moment. In the last two national title games, Howard had 9 catches for 314 yards and 3 TDs combined.

That’s the kind of potential organizations see in the 6-foot-6, 251-pounder. While the pro game has become a league of specialists, Howard has the versatility to be a three-down contributor who doesn’t need to come off the field.

Proving to be an outstanding blend of strength and speed in Indianapolis, he did 22 reps on the bench press and also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds — that’s just as fast as LSU running back Leonard Fournette. Howard placed first among tight ends in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle, too.

Don’t forget about his blocking, either. Turn on the tape, and it’s not hard to find him making a difference in the ‘Bama ground game.

“I take pride in it,” Howard said at the combine. “I don’t think it’s underrated. I think a lot of scouts understand I’ll get in there, stick my nose in and block. They always mention that in the meetings so far this week. I don’t think it’s underrated or overlooked or anything, but I do take a lot of pride in blocking.”

Another standout among the tight ends in Indy was Evan Engram of Ole Miss. Nevertheless, he’s not considered as multifaceted as Howard. Engram is a glorified wide receiver since he rarely put his hand in the dirt for the Rebels.

Howard, conversely, can be just as effective as an in-line blocker as he is running routes out of the slot. Had he played at another school that didn’t feature a power running attack — not to mention the likes of Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley out wide — his receiving statistics at the collegiate level may have doubled.

A lot of draft prospects don’t like to compare themselves to current NFL players, but Howard prefers to emulate one Pro Bowler in particular.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

“A guy I’d compare myself to right now would be Greg Olsen of the Panthers,” he said. “I think Greg does a great job of blocking. He’s a three-down tight end. He runs great routes. He has great hands. He’s a guy I studied a lot on film in college, so I would compare myself to him.”

A one-time first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, Olsen didn’t blossom at the next level until he was traded to Carolina and has crossed the 1,000-yard plateau through the air each of the last three years. Previously — prior to getting dealt, at least — he was regarded only as a pass catcher. Now he’s a capable blocker, as well.

Still, tight ends don’t make the highlight reel for their blocking. No question about it, Howard wishes he’d caught more passes in Tuscaloosa.

“Frustrated? Never. Disappointed, yeah,” he admitted. “I got disappointed I didn’t get the opportunities I thought I should have gotten, but never got frustrated because I was a team player. I was excited to see us win. You can’t go wrong with winning.”

One old adage in the NFL is that there’s no ability more important that availability. Olsen missed two games as a rookie, but he’s suited up for all 16 contests since 2008. Howard avoided injuries and played in 57 straight for coach Nick Saban.

Despite the fact that his numbers were pedestrian as a junior, Howard could have left early for the draft at this time last year. His stock was hot following a 5-catch, 208-yard, 2-TD performance — good enough for Offensive Player of the Game honors — in the victory over Clemson for the national championship two Januarys ago.

Even after losing to the Tigers in the rematch, Howard doesn’t regret his decision to return to campus and is even more prepared for Sunday.

“The best decision I made in my life so far,” he said. “I had the opportunity to graduate college, and I did that. As a football player, I got better. I improved in blocking. I understand the game more. Played for a great coach. You can’t beat that.”

Few players have negotiated the pre-draft evaluation process better than Howard. He was absolutely dominant throughout Senior Bowl week, and then he tested off the charts at the combine. Howard is a no-brainer for Round 1 at this point.

Perhaps hurt by Alabama’s transformation from a ground-and-pound system to more of a spread-option scheme — now-departed offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin had a lot to do with that — Howard got lost in the shuffle from time to time. But no franchise is going to invest a first-rounder on him and then fail to utilize his skills.

Most of Saban’s premier players are highly decorated in college. Howard, on the other hand, still has plenty of room left on his mantel.

John Crist is the senior writer for Saturday Down South, a member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy. Send him an e-mail, like him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.