Marcus Howard SELECTED BY: Indianapolis Colts Round 5(26)

SI Grade 3.75 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Moved into the starting lineup as a senior and posted career-high numbers of 41/12/10.5. Sophomore-year totals included 24/1.5/0.

POSITIVES: Explosive defender who.s charging up draft boards. Athletic, fast in every direction, and plays with a good degree of quickness. Explodes off the snap with a terrific first step, gets leverage on opponents, and rarely off his feet. Can flatten off the edge, immediately change direction, and pursue from the back side with speed. Deceptively strong for his size, keeps his feet moving on contact, and plays with discipline. Fast out to the flanks and shows ability making plays in reverse if used in space.

NEGATIVES: Lacks size and bulk and easily blocked by large opponents. Marginally productive until last season.

ANALYSIS: Howard topped a terrific senior campaign with an outstanding performance at the combine. Mainly lined up in a three-point stance at Georgia, Howard is likely to be stood up over tackle at the next level and projects to linebacker in a 3-4 alignment.

PROJECTION: Early Third Round