Will Howard, Ohio State’s talented quarterback, is expected to join an AFC contender, adding depth and potential to their quarterback room this offseason.

The quarterback position is often the most scrutinized in the NFL, with teams constantly seeking the next great signal-caller to lead them to glory. This offseason, one name that has begun to circulate in NFL circles is Will Howard, the former quarterback for Ohio State. After an impressive college career, Howard is now expected to make the leap to the professional ranks, where his potential and development could help elevate the quarterback room of an AFC contender.

With teams in the AFC continuing to build for the future and looking for the next franchise quarterback, Howard’s skill set and potential have made him an intriguing prospect. The key to Howard’s success will depend on his ability to translate his college success to the NFL, where the speed of the game is unmatched, and the competition is fiercer than ever.

Will Howard: A Brief Overview of His Ohio State Career

Will Howard’s journey to Ohio State is one marked by a combination of elite talent, hard work, and development. Originally from Chaska, Minnesota, Howard was highly touted as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation out of high school. A dual-threat quarterback with both passing and rushing ability, Howard quickly earned the attention of major college football programs, and his recruitment was one of the most closely watched in his class.

Howard eventually chose to commit to Ohio State, where he joined a quarterback room that was already full of highly talented players. This included Justin Fields, who would go on to be a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Howard wasn’t immediately thrust into the starting role, he used his time as a backup and a developmental player to refine his skills and learn from one of the best quarterback coaches in the nation, Ryan Day.

Over the course of his career at Ohio State, Howard displayed his dual-threat ability, though he also developed his passing mechanics to become a more well-rounded player. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs earned him respect in a program known for developing top-tier quarterbacks. Howard’s ability to run the football made him a dynamic threat in the read-option offense, but it was his improved pocket presence and ability to read defenses that made him a highly sought-after prospect in the upcoming draft.

In his final season at Ohio State, Howard showcased significant growth, improving his accuracy, decision-making, and overall play. While he never fully displaced Fields as the team’s starting quarterback, he did have moments where he looked like a future NFL starter. His improved understanding of the game, ability to lead an offense, and maturation as a passer helped to solidify his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

Why AFC Contenders Are Interested in Will Howard

The AFC has long been regarded as a quarterback-driven conference, with several elite quarterbacks leading some of the NFL’s most successful franchises. From Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, the AFC is home to some of the best quarterbacks in the league. With so much talent at the position, the teams in the AFC are constantly looking for the next great signal-caller who can help them compete for championships.

This is where Will Howard enters the conversation. While Howard has not yet played a down in the NFL, his college tape and physical traits have made him an appealing option for AFC teams looking to bolster their quarterback depth or potentially find a future starter. Several AFC teams could look to bring Howard into their organization, whether it be as a backup or as a developmental quarterback who could eventually become a starting option.

1. His Dual-Threat Ability

One of the most appealing aspects of Will Howard’s game is his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. As a dual-threat quarterback, Howard possesses excellent mobility and a strong running ability, making him an asset to any team looking to implement a more mobile and dynamic offense. While he’s not as fast as some of the top running quarterbacks in the NFL, Howard has enough speed and agility to escape pressure in the pocket, extend plays, and pick up yards when needed.

In the AFC, teams like the Baltimore Ravens (with Lamar Jackson) and the Kansas City Chiefs (with Patrick Mahomes) have proven that a quarterback who can move the ball both with his arm and legs can be a serious weapon. While Howard’s passing game is still his strength, his mobility offers NFL teams an extra dimension to his skill set. This is especially valuable in today’s NFL, where teams are looking for quarterbacks who can do it all: make plays from the pocket and outside the pocket.

2. The Quarterback Room Depth

For AFC contenders, depth at quarterback is often just as important as having a starter. Teams know that injuries happen, and it’s not always the established starter who can lead a team to the postseason. Backup quarterbacks and developmental players are crucial for long-term success, and Will Howard could fill that role for an AFC contender looking for depth behind their starter.

Take the Buffalo Bills as an example. While Josh Allen is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, the Bills understand the importance of having a strong backup quarterback. Howard could serve as a long-term developmental player in the Bills’ quarterback room, learning behind Allen and gaining valuable experience in practice before potentially taking on a bigger role down the line. Similarly, the Indianapolis Colts or the Miami Dolphins might look to add Howard as a backup to players like Matt Ryan or Tua Tagovailoa, respectively, while also grooming him as a future starter.

3. The Need for a Developmental Quarterback

While some AFC contenders are solidified with elite quarterbacks, others are still in the search for their next franchise signal-caller. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans are in various stages of rebuilding, and having a talented developmental quarterback like Howard could be seen as a long-term investment.

For these teams, Will Howard could represent a future solution. His combination of physical traits, football IQ, and development potential makes him an intriguing option as a quarterback who could step in when needed. Teams with aging or inconsistent quarterbacks may view Howard as a player who can grow into the starting role, leading to the team’s next phase of success.

Potential Landing Spots for Will Howard in the AFC

Several AFC teams could be ideal landing spots for Will Howard, based on their current roster construction, quarterback needs, and future plans. While it’s hard to predict exactly where Howard will land, here are a few teams that could have a strong interest in adding him to their roster.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, but their quarterback situation is in flux. After the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers are looking for their next franchise quarterback. While they’ve made strides with Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, the team could benefit from adding another young quarterback like Will Howard. Howard’s dual-threat ability and upside as a developmental player could be just what Pittsburgh needs as they look to rebuild the quarterback position for the future.

2. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos were one of the most active teams in the offseason, trading for quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Wilson is in his 30s, and the Broncos could be looking for a quarterback of the future. With a strong roster built around Wilson, the Broncos could use this time to groom a developmental quarterback like Howard. With the right coaching and development, Howard could become a future starting option for the team.

3. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are in full rebuild mode, and they could use a young quarterback to help lead the franchise in the future. While Davis Mills has shown flashes, the Texans may be looking for additional options at quarterback. Will Howard could be an ideal fit in Houston, as he could develop behind Mills and eventually challenge for the starting role once the team is ready to compete again.

4. Miami Dolphins

With Tua Tagovailoa still working on solidifying his role as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, the team could look to add a backup or developmental player in Will Howard. Miami has a strong offensive roster, and Howard could benefit from learning behind Tagovailoa while also competing for a role in the future.

5. Buffalo Bills

As mentioned, the Buffalo Bills could be a great landing spot for Howard. Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but the team needs to build depth at the position. Howard could be a long-term developmental player who, in time, could provide a strong backup option or even challenge for the starting role if necessary.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

As Will Howard heads into the NFL Draft, the future is bright for him. He has the potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, but his success will depend on the situation he lands in and the coaching he receives. Teams looking for a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and a high ceiling should see Howard as a potential gem.

The most important thing for Howard will be finding the right system and team to help nurture his talent. Whether he lands with an AFC contender as a developmental player or as a backup, Howard’s future in the NFL looks promising. The AFC is full of teams looking for their next quarterback, and Will Howard has the tools to be that player for the right franchise.