July 27, 2001

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings signed second-round draft pick Willie Howard on Friday.

Howard, of Stanford, has played every position on the defensive line. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The Vikings also signed four free agents, including former University of Minnesota defensive end Lamanzer Williams.

Minnesota signed tight end Shonn Bell of Virginia-Wise, linebacker Mark Crawford of Nevada and defensive back Keith Thibodeaux of Northwest Louisiana.