Scouts are paying more attention to Ohio State quarterback Will Howard as a result of his outstanding performances, which have greatly increased his NFL Draft status.

Ohio State University’s football program has long been a breeding ground for some of the best quarterbacks in college football, and this year is no exception with the rise of Will Howard. Known for his arm strength, poise under pressure, and growing leadership abilities, Howard has been turning heads across the country. His impressive performances have catapulted his NFL Draft stock, and scouts are now paying closer attention to the young quarterback as he continues to elevate his game.

In this in-depth analysis, we will explore Howard’s background, what has made him stand out on the field, how his game has evolved, and why NFL scouts are increasingly taking note of his abilities. By examining his trajectory as a quarterback, the challenges he’s faced, and the strengths that have propelled him into the conversation as a potential NFL draft pick, we will gain insight into what the future may hold for Will Howard and his prospects at the professional level.

Will Howard’s Early Years and Path to Ohio State

Before diving into Howard’s rise as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football, it’s important to understand his journey to Ohio State. A highly regarded prospect in high school, Howard had a promising start to his football career. Growing up in a football-centric environment, he was groomed to eventually play at the highest levels, with natural athleticism and a strong football IQ.

Howard’s early years were spent honing his craft in high school, where he was known for his precision passing, vision on the field, and leadership abilities. These qualities made him a standout recruit, and eventually, Ohio State came knocking. The program’s long history of quarterback success, particularly under the tutelage of past head coaches like Urban Meyer and Ryan Day, made it an attractive option for Howard, who saw it as a place where he could elevate his game and further develop his potential.

As a freshman at Ohio State, Howard had the opportunity to observe and learn from the quarterbacks ahead of him, including C.J. Stroud and others who had already established themselves as top prospects in college football. Under the mentorship of these veteran players and the coaching staff, Howard worked tirelessly to refine his skills, which would later prove invaluable as he assumed the starting role.

The Rise of Will Howard: Key Strengths and Abilities

What has truly set Will Howard apart during his time at Ohio State is his combination of raw talent and increasingly refined skills. Scouts and analysts have noted his natural ability to throw the ball with velocity and precision, as well as his growing confidence in the pocket. The development of these traits has played a significant role in his rising NFL Draft stock.

1. Arm Strength and Accuracy

Howard’s arm strength has always been one of his standout attributes. He possesses the ability to throw deep passes with ease, often placing the ball in tight windows downfield. Whether it’s a go route on the outside or a deep post over the middle, Howard consistently demonstrates the arm strength necessary to succeed at the NFL level.

Additionally, his accuracy has improved steadily over the course of his college career. Scouts have been particularly impressed by his ability to make throws to all areas of the field, whether it’s a touch pass over the top, a sharp out route along the sideline, or a deep ball down the field. His ability to place the ball where only his receiver can catch it has allowed his offense to function at a high level.

2. Poise Under Pressure

Another characteristic that sets Howard apart is his poise under pressure. In high-stakes games, when the margin for error is razor-thin, Howard has consistently shown that he can keep his composure and make big plays when his team needs it most. NFL scouts value quarterbacks who can remain calm in the face of a pass rush or difficult situations, and Howard has proven that he has the mental toughness to handle it.

This poise has been especially noticeable in two-minute drills and late-game situations. Whether it’s making a game-winning drive or executing a critical 3rd-and-long play, Howard has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to stay calm, read defenses, and deliver the ball accurately, even when the stakes are high.

3. Football IQ and Decision Making

Football IQ is one of the most important attributes for any quarterback, and Howard has demonstrated a keen understanding of the game. His ability to read defenses, anticipate pressure, and quickly make decisions on where to throw the ball has improved throughout his college career. His awareness of his surroundings allows him to make quick decisions and adjust his throws as needed based on the defensive coverage.

Scouts have observed Howard’s ability to manipulate defenses with his eyes and head movements, allowing him to deceive defenders and open up passing lanes. This advanced understanding of the game makes Howard a dynamic and unpredictable player, capable of performing in both structured plays and improvised situations.

4. Athleticism and Mobility

While Howard is not necessarily known for being a dual-threat quarterback in the traditional sense, his athleticism and mobility have been key factors in his success. As a quarterback, Howard has demonstrated a good sense of pocket movement and the ability to evade rushers. He can escape pressure with his legs and extend plays, which gives his receivers more time to get open.

In addition, Howard is able to contribute with his legs when necessary. He can pick up yardage on designed runs or scramble for first downs when the pocket collapses. This added dimension to his game makes him even more dangerous to opposing defenses, as they must account for both his arm and his legs.

Will Howard’s 2023 Season: A Turning Point for His Draft Stock

The 2023 season has been a defining year for Will Howard. His performances have significantly elevated his draft stock, catching the attention of NFL scouts who are constantly on the lookout for quarterbacks with the potential to thrive at the next level. Howard’s consistency and ability to perform in big games have helped propel him into the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

Several standout performances during the season have bolstered Howard’s status as a potential first-round pick. One of the key factors in his rise has been his ability to step up in big moments. In games against ranked opponents, Howard has shown the poise and accuracy necessary to lead his team to victory. His standout performances in marquee matchups have demonstrated that he is capable of performing under pressure, which is one of the most important qualities scouts look for in an NFL quarterback.

Additionally, Howard’s leadership on and off the field has made him a valuable asset to the Ohio State program. His ability to inspire confidence in his teammates and execute plays under pressure has helped Ohio State secure victories in crucial matchups. NFL scouts often take into account how a quarterback leads their team, and Howard’s leadership qualities have been a significant factor in his rising stock.

NFL Scouts Take Notice

As Howard’s performances have become more consistent and his game has evolved, NFL scouts have begun to take notice. The quarterback position is one of the most important and scrutinized positions in football, and there is always a demand for quarterbacks with the potential to succeed at the next level. Scouts are particularly looking for quarterbacks who can make all the throws, lead their team, and perform well in high-pressure situations, and Howard’s game ticks all of these boxes.

One of the key reasons why scouts are paying more attention to Howard is his ability to adapt and improve. Many young quarterbacks show flashes of brilliance but struggle with consistency. Howard, however, has shown steady progress each year, and his ability to elevate his game has impressed scouts across the league. His impressive arm strength, accuracy, poise, and decision-making have all been factors that NFL teams are evaluating as they look for the next great quarterback.

NFL Draft Outlook: Where Does Will Howard Stand?

Given his performance in the 2023 season and his continued development, Howard is now a player who has entered the conversation for a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft. While it’s difficult to predict exactly where he will fall, it’s clear that he has the potential to be a highly sought-after prospect. Depending on his performances during the remainder of the season and the NFL Scouting Combine, Howard could be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the draft.

As of now, Howard’s stock is steadily rising, and he is positioning himself as one of the most promising quarterbacks in the upcoming draft class. His ability to throw with velocity, make pinpoint accurate passes, lead his team, and perform under pressure makes him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking for a quarterback with both physical tools and mental toughness.