Marcus Howard pass rush specialist?

This is what was on the Colts web site said regarding Marcus Howard.

Marcus Howard (6-0, 237), defensive end, Georgia, 26th selection fifth round, 161st overall. Howard, who played four seasons for the Bulldogs, started as a senior this past season, finishing the season with 10.5 sacks and had 12 sacks in four seasons. He also registered 42 quarterback pressures as a senior, with 12 tackles for losses and three forced fumbles. Polian said Howard had similar qualities to Colts defensive end Robert Mathis. Polian said the Colts’ pass rush was an issue at season’s end with the loss of defensive end Dwight Freeney to an injury. He said Howard could address that area. “We think he gives us the opportunity to have a third rusher who if anything happens to the other two (Mathis and Dwight Freeney) we have the ability to fall back on him and still rush the quarterback at the end of the season when it counts,” Polian said. Polian added, “He is not Robert Mathis and we don’t want to make him out to be Robert Mathis, but he’s like Robert Mathis in style.” Added Dungy, “He’s just really a fast, fast guy who has some power coming off the corner. He’s going to be an interesting guy to work with.”

I think the Colts waited to draft a pass rushing DE because they knew he would be a backup and the kind of tweeners or undersized guys the Colts go for aren't as prized by other teams because they want to convert them to linebackers.  I like this pick and am a lot more comfortable with the pass rush if something happens to Freeney or Mathis.  I am also hoping Keyunta Dawson can improve and provide a bigger pass rush threat.

Even Polian admitted that the pass rush was a problem at the end of last year and that Howard would be that third pass rusher the Colts could use.  He could also spell Freeney or Mathis to keep them fresh and have a fresh pass rusher in at all times which also could help to keep all healthy as a tired or worn out player is more prone to injury.

I hope he takes the starting OLB spot away from Hagler.

I highly doubt that will happen.  I think he will play DE exclusively much like Mathis does.  This will be good for Howard and works well with the Colts as he doesn't have to make an adjustment to playing a different position.  This is why he probably dropped because most teams would convert him to a linebacker which means learning a new position.

Cool!  Let's get away from the Marvin Harrison garbage until there is actually some confirmation of what is going on and analyze some Colts talent.

I like Marcus Howard and think he could be a steal this late in the draft.  The only issue is that he has to wait behind Freeney and Mathis but I feel more comfortable with him as a backup pass rusher than Thomas or Charleston.