Will Howard's NFL Draft Projection: A Day 2 Steal In The Making?
The journey of a college quarterback to the NFL is often a winding one, filled with moments of brilliance, periods of struggle, and the constant scrutiny of scouts and analysts. For Will Howard, the talented signal-caller whose collegiate career spanned both Kansas State and Ohio State, his NFL draft projection has seen a significant upward trajectory, particularly after an impressive showing in the College Football Playoff. Once potentially an afterthought in draft discussions, Howard has firmly established himself as a compelling prospect, showcasing a unique blend of athleticism, arm talent, and a knack for winning that could make him a valuable asset for an NFL franchise. This article delves deep into Will Howard's draft profile, analyzing his strengths, areas for development, and where he might land in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Understanding Will Howard's potential impact at the professional level requires a comprehensive look at his collegiate performance, his physical attributes, and how his skill set translates to the demanding NFL landscape. From his dual-threat capabilities to his surprisingly low sack rate, Howard presents an intriguing package that could see him emerge as a Day 2 steal, offering a high upside for teams seeking a quarterback with both immediate potential and long-term development.
Table of Contents
- Biography: The Journey of Will Howard
- Will Howard: Personal Data
- Early Career and the Rise to Prominence
- Scouting Report: Will Howard's Strengths and Areas for Growth
- 2024 Performance and College Football Playoff Impact
- Will Howard's Draft Profile and Measurements
- Player Comparisons and Statistical Analysis
- Current Will Howard Draft Projection
- Potential NFL Landing Spots
- The Senior Bowl and Pre-Draft Showcase
- Conclusion: A Promising Future for Will Howard
Biography: The Journey of Will Howard
Will Howard's football journey began in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he attended Downingtown High School. His talent as a quarterback quickly became evident, setting the stage for a collegiate career that would ultimately span two major programs. He initially committed to Kansas State, where he spent his first four seasons, steadily developing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the demanding Big 12 conference. During his time with the Wildcats, Howard showcased flashes of the potential that would later draw significant NFL attention. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver passes downfield became a hallmark of his game. After four seasons at Kansas State, Howard made the significant decision to transfer to Ohio State, a move that would elevate his profile and place him squarely in the national spotlight. This transition proved to be pivotal, culminating in a championship run with the Buckeyes. This high-profile performance significantly impacted his NFL draft projection, transforming him from a fringe prospect to a legitimate Day 2 possibility.Will Howard: Personal Data
| Full Name | Will Howard |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Height | [To be confirmed at Combine/Pro Day] |
| Weight | [To be confirmed at Combine/Pro Day] |
| Hometown | Downingtown, PA |
| High School | Downingtown High School |
| College(s) | Kansas State (2020-2023), Ohio State (2024) |
Early Career and the Rise to Prominence
Will Howard's collegiate career is a testament to perseverance and growth. He showed what he could do at the next level for the past five seasons, navigating the complexities of college football, including a significant transfer. As a former Kansas State Wildcats quarterback, he was likely an afterthought in NFL draft talks a year ago. However, that's what a championship run can do for you. Howard and the Ohio State Buckeyes won, and his performance in that high-stakes environment provided a crucial boost to his draft stock. His time at Kansas State provided a foundational understanding of the game, allowing him to refine his passing mechanics and decision-making while also showcasing his athleticism as a runner. The move to Ohio State, a program with immense pressure and talent, further honed his abilities, preparing him for the intense scrutiny of NFL scouts.Scouting Report: Will Howard's Strengths and Areas for Growth
To accurately assess Will Howard's NFL draft projection, a detailed scouting report is essential. He possesses several enticing qualities that could make him a valuable asset at the next level, but like any prospect, he also has areas that will require refinement.Strengths: A Dual-Threat with a Strong Arm
Will Howard's flashes of passing upside, along with his rushing ability, will be enticing to an NFL franchise later in the draft. The dual threat has the size to withstand the punishment as a runner and passer, a critical attribute in today's NFL where quarterbacks are increasingly expected to contribute with their legs. The former Kansas State quarterback showed he can score on the ground with his legs and attack defenses downfield with his strong arm. This combination of arm talent and mobility makes him a legitimate threat in both the run-pass option (RPO) game and when plays break down. One particularly impressive aspect of Howard's game, and a significant differentiator among his peers, is his ability to avoid sacks. While other top quarterback prospects in this draft have pretty damning sack rate numbers, Howard excels in that category and keeps his offense from getting behind the chains. This indicates good pocket awareness, quick decision-making, and an ability to either get the ball out quickly or escape pressure, all highly valued traits in the NFL. His resilience and ability to extend plays, rather than taking negative yardage, speak volumes about his football IQ and competitive toughness.Areas for Development and NFL Transition
However, like many college quarterbacks, Howard seems to need play action to perform at his best, as he’s in the 20th percentile in grading without play action. This suggests that while he thrives when defenses are put in conflict by run fakes, he might struggle more when asked to drop back and make reads against unfooled defenses. NFL offenses often rely heavily on play-action, but a quarterback's ability to consistently execute from pure drop-back situations is paramount. This will be a key area for development at the professional level, requiring improved footwork, quicker processing, and a more consistent ability to read coverages post-snap without the benefit of a run fake. Coaches will work with him to improve his comfort and efficiency in these scenarios, which are often the bread and butter of NFL passing games.2024 Performance and College Football Playoff Impact
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard leading the Buckeyes after playing his first four seasons with the Kansas State Wildcats was a major storyline. Let’s take a look at Howard’s performance in 2024, his projected landing spot in our latest mock draft, player comparisons, and more. His 2024 season, particularly his contributions during the College Football Playoff, truly put him on the map for NFL scouts. Will Howard impressed in the College Football Playoff and could be a Day 2 steal in the 2025 NFL Draft. This high-pressure environment allowed him to demonstrate his composure, leadership, and ability to elevate his play when it mattered most. Performing well on such a grand stage against top-tier competition is a significant indicator of a player's readiness for the professional game, where every snap carries immense weight.Will Howard's Draft Profile and Measurements
A crucial component of any prospect's evaluation is their physical attributes. Will Howard’s draft profile and measurements will be meticulously scrutinized at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. Scouts will be looking at his height, weight, hand size, arm length, and various athletic testing numbers (40-yard dash, shuttle, vertical jump, etc.). As a dual-threat quarterback, his athleticism will be particularly highlighted. His listed size to withstand punishment as a runner and passer suggests he has the frame to endure the rigors of an NFL season. These measurements, combined with his on-field performance, will help solidify his overall draft stock and provide a clearer picture of his physical readiness for the professional game.Player Comparisons and Statistical Analysis
To better understand Will Howard's potential, it's helpful to see his stats, rankings, and comparison with other quarterbacks in the class. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or. While no two players are identical, these comparisons provide a framework for understanding a prospect's ceiling and floor. For Howard, his blend of arm strength, mobility, and low sack rate might draw comparisons to quarterbacks who have found success in the NFL by extending plays and making throws on the run, perhaps even some with similar needs for play-action in their early careers. His statistical profile, especially his efficiency and decision-making under pressure, will be key in these comparisons.Current Will Howard Draft Projection
The current draft projection and summary for Will Howard indicate a consensus that he is a legitimate NFL prospect. Their analysis has Will Howard as a projected fourth-round draft pick from Ohio. This places him firmly within the Day 3 range, where teams often look for high-upside developmental quarterbacks or those who can contribute in specific packages. However, his strong College Football Playoff performance has certainly elevated his stock, leading some to consider him a potential Day 2 steal. For instance, on CSN’s 2025 NFL mock draft for Day 3, Howard was selected with the 154th pick in Round 5 to the New York Giants. This range (late Day 2 to early Day 3) is typical for quarterbacks who show significant potential but may require some refinement in their game. His ability to impress in high-stakes moments suggests he could outperform his draft slot.Potential NFL Landing Spots
Given his skill set and current Will Howard draft projection, several NFL teams could benefit significantly from his services. The Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns are three teams that could benefit from his services. These teams often look for quarterbacks who can provide a spark, either as a backup with starting potential or as a long-term developmental project. * **Los Angeles Rams:** With Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his career, the Rams might look for a young quarterback to develop behind him. Howard's athleticism and arm talent could be a good fit for Sean McVay's offense, which often utilizes play-action and RPOs. * **Pittsburgh Steelers:** The Steelers have been searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. Howard's toughness, dual-threat ability, and strong arm could appeal to a team known for its gritty, run-first identity. He could compete for a backup role and develop under a veteran. * **Cleveland Browns:** The Browns have invested heavily in Deshaun Watson, but depth and competition are always valuable. Howard could provide an intriguing option, particularly if they want a mobile quarterback who can also push the ball downfield. His ability to avoid sacks would also be a welcome trait. Other teams in need of quarterback depth or a developmental prospect could also be in play, especially those looking for a player with a high football IQ and a demonstrated ability to perform under pressure.The Senior Bowl and Pre-Draft Showcase
For prospects like Will Howard, the Senior Bowl and other pre-draft showcases are critical opportunities to impress scouts and solidify their draft stock. Learn about his scouting report, landing spots and senior bowl performance. The Senior Bowl, in particular, provides a unique platform for quarterbacks to demonstrate their skills in a pro-style offense, under the guidance of NFL coaches, and against top-tier competition. It allows them to show off their accuracy, decision-making, leadership, and ability to quickly grasp new concepts. A strong showing here, particularly in areas like pure drop-back passing and reading complex coverages, could further boost his stock and potentially push him higher into Day 2. His interviews with teams during these events will also be crucial, as teams assess his football intelligence, character, and work ethic.Conclusion: A Promising Future for Will Howard
Will Howard's NFL draft projection has evolved significantly, transforming him into one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in his class. His journey from Kansas State to a championship run at Ohio State has highlighted his resilience, growth, and ability to perform under pressure. With a strong arm, impressive rushing ability, and a notable talent for avoiding sacks, Howard offers a compelling dual-threat package that NFL teams covet. While his reliance on play-action presents an area for development, his overall upside is undeniable. As the NFL Draft approaches, Will Howard will continue to draw significant attention. His blend of physical tools and competitive spirit makes him a strong candidate to be a Day 2 steal, providing a team with a high-upside quarterback who could develop into a valuable starter. Keep an eye on where this talented signal-caller ultimately lands, as his professional journey promises to be an exciting one. What are your thoughts on Will Howard's potential in the NFL? Do you see him as a Day 2 steal or a developmental project? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below! If you found this analysis insightful, consider sharing it with fellow football enthusiasts or exploring other draft profiles on our site.- Blake Shelton And Miranda Lambert Duet
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