Will Howard: A Promising Quarterback Prospect for the NFL

🏈 The football world is abuzz with talk about quarterback Will Howard, a recent national champion and standout performer who is now preparing for the NFL. Let’s dive into his journey, strengths, weaknesses, and what lies ahead for this promising young quarterback.

🎓 A Recent National Champion

Will Howard recently celebrated a national championship victory. The talented quarterback from Ohio State reached the pinnacle of college football in the 2024-25 season. While his collegiate success is commendable, the transition to the NFL will demand enhanced processing skills and adaptability to the faster pace and complexity of the professional game.

📈 Draft Projections

Howard is projected to be a fourth or fifth-round pick. While he may not evolve into an elite starting quarterback in the NFL, he possesses the potential to become a valuable backup who can step in and effectively manage an NFL offense. His sharp understanding of the game, built over years of experience, is an asset that will serve him well in the league.

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2024 PFF Grades and Stats

Here's a snapshot of Will Howard's performance metrics from the 2024 season, ranked among 56 draft-eligible quarterbacks:

🌟 Background

At 23 years old, Will Howard stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 236 pounds. He kicked off his college career at Kansas State, where he dedicated four seasons to sharpening his skills. In 2023, he became the team's full-time starter and made a significant impact. His final season at Ohio State saw him lead the team to a national championship, claiming the Offensive MVP title for his efforts in the big game.

💪 Strengths

📈 Making Plays with the Ball

During his time at Ohio State, Howard excelled in getting the ball to his playmakers. The Buckeyes demonstrated an offense that clicked on all cylinders, with Howard expertly directing the flow. He exhibited a solid sense of where to throw before the snap, effectively navigating defenders' leverage with impressive accuracy. Although not the most pinpoint passer, his ability to place the ball strategically allowed receivers to maximize their opportunities, minimizing their risk from incoming defenders.

🕶️ Pocket Management

Howard’s adeptness in managing the pocket cannot go unnoticed. He often operated from clean pockets, yet his ability to maintain composure in messy situations was equally commendable. His impressive avoidance of sacks is a testament to his quick decision-making — either releasing the ball instantaneously or skillfully escaping the pocket. While his highlight-reel plays might be few, his 73.2% adjusted completion rate when under pressure stands out, ranking him second among his peers in the 2025 draft class.

⚠️ Weaknesses

💔 Arm Strength Limitations

Although Howard possesses a solid skill set, he has not been recognized for having a particularly strong arm. This limitation may affect his ability to execute certain plays effectively, especially when conditions become chaotic. Timing is crucial for him; without it, he cannot rely on arm strength to make up for any delay. His intermediate throws, where velocity is key for threading the needle, have often been his Achilles' heel, putting him in precarious situations where defenders can easily intercept or deflect his passes.

🔄 Pre-Determined Throws

Howard's decisiveness at the line of scrimmage could sometimes be a double-edged sword. There were moments when he seemed to lock in on his predetermined targets even when the pre-snap read suggested otherwise. This led to an increased rate of turnover-worthy plays compared to other quarterbacks in his draft class. Specifically, when throwing within 2.5 seconds, Howard recorded a 3.3% turnover-worthy play rate, which ranked ninth among his peers. His tendency to get stuck in his progressions can lead to either hasty throws or scrambling when he is unable to find an open target.

📜 Summary

Will Howard brings a wealth of experience from his collegiate days, which will undoubtedly aid his transition to the NFL. He has shown the ability to lead an offense that prioritizes quick ball distribution to playmakers. His capability to navigate tight pockets and avoid sacks illustrates his preparedness for the professional level.

However, as he steps into the NFL realm, improving his processing speed and adjusting his decision-making will be vital. He must adapt to the reality that not every pre-determined pass will be successful, requiring him to work through his progressions and make careful choices on the field. While he might not emerge as a superstar quarterback, a prosperous career as a reliable backup capable of managing an NFL offense is certainly within reach for him.

⭐ Draft Grade: Late Fourth or Fifth Round

With these insights, NFL teams will surely keep Will Howard on their radar as a value pick in the upcoming draft.