Darren Howard

Will rotate at defensive tackle during passing downs.

Howard is moving back to his more natural position on the right side at defensive end and exhibited an increased work ethic during minicamp. Howard, who was bothered by knee injuries last season but played in all 16 games, enters 2007 100 percent healthy and could be in store for a big bounce back season.

Great pass-rusher who will start opposite Jevon Kearse, while keeping opposing lines honest.

There are a few major questions hanging over Howard’s head, but none concern his talent. Slapped with the franchise tag, Howard signed a tender for $7.8 million this offseason, which then led the Saints to shop him aggressively leading up the draft. After July 15, they can sign him to a long-term deal that would lower his cap hit this year, but there’s also a chance he’ll be traded. His fantasy prospects would certainly be altered depending on what lineup he plays in, since he’s currently in a very effective end rotation with fellow starter Charles Grant and Will Smith. Further, Howard hasn’t played a full season since 2002. In 2003, he missed half the year to a dislocated wrist and last year was out three games after arthroscopic surgery to clean out his knee. The constant with Howard is that he’s awfully productive on the field. In 13 games last year, he tied career highs with 36 solo tackles and 11 sacks. He’s healthy and working out with the team this offseason, but there’s some slippage risk as Will Smith garners more time. Bottom line: a healthy Howard on New Orleans is worth a look in your draft.

Charles Grant’s linemate dislocated his wrist in the 2003 season opener before he could log a stat, so those 27 solo tackles, five sacks and four passes defended all came in the last seven games of the year. He’s clearly healthy, and if he can stay that way he should have a breakout season.