Biography: Senior totals included 65 tackles/10 tackles for loss/4 sacks, earning him all-conference honors. Junior numbers included 29/10/1.

Positives: Explosive interior lineman with the ability to make plays in every direction of the field. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, breaks down well and stays on his feet. Tough to move off the point, keeps his feet moving up the field and flashes power in his lower body. Possesses solid change-of-direction skill with the ability to make plays down the line of scrimmage or pursue the action from the back side.

Negatives: Marginal pass rusher. Possesses a minimal closing burst. Easily neutralized at the point of attack when blocked.

Analysis: Howard has shown consistent improvement the past three seasons and offers potential on the inside as a backup tackle or three-technique lineman.

Projection: 4th