Manhatten, KS ? Defensive tackle Darren Howard, prized for his quickness off the ball to rush the passer, was among five Kansas State players taken in the two-day NFL draft that ended Sunday.
Howard was drafted in the second round, the 33rd pick overall, by the New Orleans Saints.
“This was the guy we wanted the whole way,” Saints coach Jim Haslett said. “He’s a four-year starter from Kansas State. He’s a great player who can rush the passer from sides and drops into coverage. He had two interceptions last year, almost 30 sacks in his career.”
Lineman Damion McIntosh and linebacker Mark Simoneau each went in the third round. Free safety Lamar Chapman was a fifth round pick, and running back Frank Murphy was chosen in the sixth.
Haslett said the Saints were surprised to find Howard still available in the second round. Howard also said he had expected to go in the first round, but was happy to find a home in New Orleans.
Howard will be given a chance to battle four-year veteran Jared Tomich for the starting job on the left side of the defensive line, Haslett said.
“I see tough and smooth at the same time,” Howard said in describing himself. “Smart. I concentrate on winning the one-on-one battle.”
McIntosh went to the San Diego Chargers as the 83rd pick overall. He can play positions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the line, but likely will be worked by the Chargers as a future left offensive tackle. McIntosh is valued for his quickness, but is regarded as more of a project on the offensive side of the ball.
A lack of size probably dropped Simoneau to the third round, where he was taken by the Atlanta Falcons. Simoneau is known as a hard hitter, but is short and has short arms.
Simoneau’s aggressiveness leads to big hits, but sometimes causes him to miss tackles when he fails to wrap up ball carriers.
Chapman, who went to the Cleveland Browns, is known as a good cover safety with soft hands. His lack of size also probably dropped him in the draft, but he has versatility as a punt returner.
Murphy, a junior college transfer to Kansas State, was the 170th pick overall by the Chicago Bears after a career with the Wildcats in which he never quite realized his potential.
Murphy sat out four games his first year after it was learned a booster had given him money to help him buy a car. He was injured at the start of last season.
But Murphy’s speed is an attraction that can cause people to overlook his penchant for fumbling. Murphy also can play wide receiver and return kicks.
