Fcs Football Central

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Central Connecticut State RB Elijah Howard

An in-depth look at Central Connecticut State running back Elijah Howard ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
Gerald J. Huggins II|
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils running back Elijah Howard (7) runs the ball against the UConn Huskies
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils running back Elijah Howard (7) runs the ball against the UConn Huskies | David Butler II-Imagn Images

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Central Connecticut State Blue DevilsVirginia Tech Hokies

Elijah Howard capped his career with another All-NEC season for the Blue Devils, becoming a three-time All-NEC selection. He helped lead the Blue Devils to back-to-back NEC championships and FCS Playoff appearances, which led to him being named the NEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Howard is looking to become the first Central Connecticut State player to be drafted since Justise Hairston in 2007. He would be just the 3rd player in program history to be drafted, joining Hairston and Tony Giaquinto (1975).

Career Stats: 46 games played, 599 carries, 3,037 rushing yards, 24 rushing TDs, 80 receptions, 747 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs, 198 kick return yards

Accolades: First-Team All-NEC (2024, 2025), NEC Offensive Player of the Year (2025), Second-Team All-NEC (2023), NEFWA All-New England Team (2024, 2025)

Scouting Report:

Elijah Howard is a compactly built running back who plays with twitch, strength, and burst. He does a good job of pressing the line of scrimmage with patience and tempo, allowing him to slip through tight alleys.

Once he decides on his path, he accelerates quickly with an above-average short-area burst. His long speed is adequate, and he will rarely outrun pursuit angles.

Howard shows very good lower-body power and forward lean despite his smaller stature, with strong contact balance. He shows a continuous fight to gain extra yards and finish his runs. He has an efficient jump cut and the ability to be a one-cut downhill runner in gap/man and inside zone schemes.

His ability to quickly diagnose running lanes and get skinny. On outside zone runs, he can be a bit impatient, outrunning his blocks before they're able to set up fully.

Howard's quick change of direction, soft hands, and functional route running make him a reliable receiver. He shows good effort in pass protection, but he needs to refine his anchor and his ability to maintain his blocking assignments longer.

Overall, Howard's vision, burst, toughness, and receiving ability make him a scheme-versatile, change-of-pace option with upside to be a quality rotational piece. He projects as a fringe prospect for the NFL roster.

Projection:

Howard projects as a fringe NFL roster running back who can thrive in a rotational role or on third downs. His burst and physical running style nullify his lack of ideal size for the position. His ability to gain positive yardage while being a capable receiver gives him upside to be a quality rotational running back.

Strengths:

  • Burst and acceleration
  • Contact balance and strength
  • Vision and processing
  • Quickness
  • Receiving ability

Weaknesses:

  • Size limitations
  • Top-end speed
  • Pass protection

Best Fit: Gap/Zone Hybrid & Inside/Outside Zone and Duo Hybrid

Stylistic Player Comp: Ronnie Rivers

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Gerald J. Huggins II
GERALD J. HUGGINS II

Gerald J. Huggins II is the official NFL Draft analyst for FCS Football Central on SI. He serves as a national scout for the East-West Shrine Bowl and DraftHBCU. Gerald is an official voter for the Aeneas Williams and Jim Thorpe Awards. He also serves as the Director of Football Operations at Morgan State University.

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