Will Howard of the Ohio State Buckeyes Makes a Horrible NFL Draft Prediction
Will Howard of the Ohio State Buckeyes Makes a Horrible NFL Draft Prediction
The road to the NFL Draft is often paved with a combination of hard work, dedication, and a fair amount of luck. Players are scrutinized for their talent, potential, and character, with analysts and coaches predicting where they might land in the draft. But every now and then, even the most talented athletes make predictions that fall flat—predictions that, in hindsight, seem off the mark. Will Howard, a prominent player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has become a notable figure in this scenario after making a particularly controversial NFL Draft prediction that many fans and experts consider a “horrible” take.
Though Howard’s name may not have been as well-known in the media as some of Ohio State’s more publicized athletes, his prediction gained traction in the sports world because of its boldness and, as it turns out, its inaccuracy. The prediction regarding his future in the NFL Draft, while ambitious, simply didn’t line up with how the draft process unfolded. Now, as Howard looks back on his remarks and his actual draft experience, it’s a fascinating case study of how expectations can sometimes clash with reality, especially for college players transitioning into the professional ranks.
In this article, we’ll examine the prediction Howard made, why it was viewed as “horrible” by many, the context surrounding his NFL Draft journey, and the lessons that can be learned from his experience.
The Prediction: Howard’s Bold Claim
Will Howard, a talented and ambitious player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, was frequently vocal about his future plans. Known for his work ethic and a strong belief in his abilities, Howard’s self-confidence often spilled over into his statements about his prospects in the NFL Draft. During his final year with Ohio State, Howard made a bold prediction—he believed he would be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. He even went as far as to say he was the best player at his position in the nation, claiming that no one could match his skills, both physically and mentally.
These types of statements aren’t uncommon in the world of sports. Athletes are often encouraged to have confidence and believe in their abilities, especially when they’re preparing to make the leap from college to the professional ranks. However, Howard’s claim seemed a bit out of step with the reality of his play and his draft stock. While he certainly had potential and showed flashes of brilliance at Ohio State, most experts and analysts weren’t sold on him being a top-tier talent at the NFL level.
It’s important to remember that the NFL Draft is a high-stakes event, with scouts and teams evaluating every aspect of a player’s game. They look at physical traits like size, speed, and agility, but they also consider factors such as performance consistency, leadership qualities, and the ability to perform under pressure. For Howard, while his natural talent was undeniable, his inconsistency and struggles in certain areas left many questioning whether a first-round pick was really in the cards for him.
The Reality of the NFL Draft Process
While predictions are a natural part of the lead-up to the NFL Draft, the reality often paints a different picture. The NFL is one of the most competitive professional leagues in the world, and getting drafted in the first round is incredibly rare. Teams are looking for immediate impact players, and they take a hard, analytical look at every facet of a player’s game. For most prospects, even those who are drafted highly, the jump from college to the pros is a huge challenge.
Howard’s prediction about his draft stock was based on an optimistic view of his talents, but it didn’t fully take into account the concerns that NFL teams had about his game. One of the key factors in Howard’s fall in the draft was his inconsistency in critical areas. While his athleticism was evident, Howard had trouble making big plays in key games, often disappearing in moments when Ohio State needed him most. His performance in big games against top competition—where NFL teams scrutinize prospects the most—raised questions about his readiness to handle the pressure at the next level.
Beyond his physical skills, Howard also struggled with certain aspects of the mental game, which are just as important in the NFL. Analysts pointed to his decision-making and ability to read defenses as areas where he needed improvement. Although these issues didn’t completely rule him out as a draft prospect, they certainly hurt his standing among first-round prospects.
Another significant factor that hurt Howard’s draft stock was the depth of talent in his position group. The 2025 NFL Draft class was stacked with top-tier players, many of whom had better college resumes and showed more consistent production over their careers. Howard, while talented, simply didn’t stand out in the same way as some of his peers. This, combined with the growing doubts about his consistency and readiness for the NFL, led to a reality check in the months leading up to the draft.
Howard’s Fall in the Draft
As the NFL Draft approached, Howard’s prediction began to look increasingly more unrealistic. Analysts began to downgrade him in their mock drafts, and by the time the event arrived, Howard was no longer being considered a first-round pick. Instead, he found himself sliding down the boards, with experts predicting he would be a second- or third-round pick at best.
In the end, Howard was drafted much later than he initially anticipated—by a team that saw potential but was also cautious about his ability to transition to the professional game. His draft position, while still impressive in its own right, was a far cry from the lofty expectations he had set for himself.
Howard’s fall from a predicted first-round pick to a later selection was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the NFL Draft. It also underscored the importance of managing expectations and understanding that the draft process is an incredibly rigorous evaluation. In hindsight, Howard’s bold statement about being the best in his position, and his expectation of being a first-round pick, were viewed as overly optimistic by both analysts and fans.
Why the Prediction Was Considered “Horrible”
The prediction Howard made about his NFL Draft prospects can be considered “horrible” for a few key reasons. First and foremost, it was simply too far removed from reality. NFL teams, scouts, and analysts base their evaluations on a detailed analysis of a player’s performance, character, and potential. Howard’s prediction ignored the very real concerns that teams had about his play, including his inconsistency and struggles in big moments. The fact that he placed himself in the conversation for a first-round selection, despite these issues, made his prediction seem out of touch with the reality of the draft process.
Additionally, Howard’s prediction could have negatively impacted his draft position. When a player talks publicly about being a top pick, it can raise expectations to a level that might make NFL teams hesitant to take a chance on them. If Howard had remained more grounded in his statements, focusing instead on improving his game and proving himself during the final months leading up to the draft, he might have been able to manage expectations more effectively.
Lastly, the prediction was seen as “horrible” because of its impact on his public image. NFL teams value humility and self-awareness, and making bold, unrealistic claims can paint a player as overly self-confident or delusional. Teams want players who are hungry for success, but they also want players who can acknowledge their flaws and work to improve. Howard’s bold predictions painted him as someone who might not fully understand the work and dedication required to succeed in the NFL, which could have raised red flags for teams considering him.
The Lessons Learned
In the wake of his draft experience, there are several valuable lessons to be learned from Howard’s prediction and the reality of the NFL Draft. First and foremost, athletes should be mindful of the expectations they set for themselves and communicate those expectations in a way that doesn’t set them up for failure. Confidence is important, but overconfidence can backfire, especially when it’s not backed up by consistent performance.
Second, the NFL Draft is an incredibly complex and nuanced process. It’s easy to make bold predictions about where you’ll land, but the draft doesn’t operate in a vacuum—it’s based on team needs, performance metrics, and a host of factors that are out of a player’s control. Understanding that the draft process is unpredictable and filled with variables can help players avoid disappointment when things don’t go as planned.
Lastly, Howard’s journey serves as a reminder that success in college football does not always guarantee immediate success in the NFL. Transitioning to the pros requires more than just talent—it takes a deep understanding of the game, the ability to adjust to a faster and more complex level of play, and a commitment to improving every single day.
