Will Howard of Ohio State Views NFL Draft Stock Keep Going Uphill

Will Howard of Ohio State: Will His NFL Draft Stock Continue to Rise?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, college football is buzzing with excitement over the potential of its top prospects. One player in particular who has captured the attention of scouts, analysts, and fans alike is Will Howard, a dynamic player from Ohio State. Known for his athleticism, leadership, and versatility, Howard has steadily improved his draft stock over the years. As he enters his final season with the Buckeyes, many are wondering whether his NFL Draft stock will continue to rise or if it will plateau before the big day.

Will Howard: A Rising Star at Ohio State

Before diving into the future of Howard’s NFL Draft prospects, it’s important to understand who Will Howard is as a player. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Howard was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school. He earned recognition for his dual-threat abilities and physical attributes, standing at 6’4” and weighing 230 pounds, making him a prototypical quarterback at the collegiate level. Howard initially played in a more limited role as a freshman before being thrust into the spotlight during his sophomore year due to a combination of injury and performance issues within Ohio State’s starting lineup.

Though Howard has always had the raw physical tools to succeed at the highest level, it was his steady progression as a player that really set him apart. He’s displayed an ability to make throws from all areas of the field and has worked hard to improve his decision-making, pocket awareness, and mechanics. His athleticism has allowed him to be a dual-threat quarterback, something that has made him more attractive to NFL scouts looking for versatile talent in the league.

Howard’s college career has seen peaks and valleys, but his growth has been undeniable. In the 2023 season, he showcased his skills in Ohio State’s high-powered offense, guiding the team to big wins and consistently displaying improved passing accuracy and poise under pressure. Despite Ohio State’s stacked roster and high expectations, Howard’s development has consistently been in the spotlight, making him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks heading into the draft.

1. NFL Draft Stock to This Point

Over the past couple of seasons, Howard has steadily garnered attention from NFL scouts. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has made him an intriguing prospect, especially in an NFL that values quarterbacks who can move in the pocket and create opportunities on the fly. Historically, Ohio State quarterbacks haven’t always transitioned smoothly to the NFL, but Howard’s unique skill set and growth have prompted many to believe that he could be an exception to this trend.

As of the middle of his college career, Howard’s draft stock is certainly trending upward. His combination of size, arm strength, and mobility gives him a solid foundation to make a lasting impact in the NFL. Still, the true question remains: can he maintain this upward trajectory, and if so, how high will his stock climb by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around?

2. Strengths That Could Propel His Draft Stock

A key factor in Howard’s rising NFL Draft stock is the blend of skills he brings to the table. NFL scouts look for certain qualities in a quarterback that will ensure their success at the next level, and Howard has demonstrated these traits over the past few seasons. Let’s take a deeper look at the specific attributes that could help Howard’s draft stock continue to rise.

Arm Strength and Accuracy

One of the first things that stands out about Howard’s game is his arm strength. He has the ability to make deep throws downfield, showcasing his ability to stretch defenses and keep opposing secondaries on edge. In addition to his deep-ball accuracy, Howard has consistently shown solid mechanics and accuracy in the short-to-intermediate range, which are crucial for succeeding in the NFL. While some quarterbacks in college struggle to adjust their throwing mechanics, Howard has improved in this area and shown a consistency in placing the ball where it needs to be.

Mobility and Dual-Threat Ability

In the modern NFL, a mobile quarterback is an asset, and Howard is certainly a dual-threat. He’s capable of making plays with his legs when needed, evading pressure and picking up critical yards on the ground. His athleticism and ability to run in both designed plays and broken plays set him apart from many of his peers in college football. With his size, he’s tough to bring down in the open field and excels in extending plays while looking for his receivers downfield.

In the NFL, this added dimension could give Howard a significant advantage, particularly in an era that emphasizes versatility in the quarterback position. Quarterbacks who can do damage with both their arm and legs are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s NFL offense, as teams look for the next wave of dual-threat quarterbacks that can keep defenses guessing.

Leadership and Poise Under Pressure

Aside from his physical attributes, Howard has also earned praise for his leadership on the field. As Ohio State’s quarterback, he’s had to manage high expectations while performing in a highly competitive environment. He’s demonstrated poise in high-pressure situations, whether it’s leading the team to come-from-behind wins or maintaining control during intense rivalry games. His ability to stay calm and collected under pressure has made him a strong presence in the huddle and a player that his teammates can rely on.

This leadership quality will certainly help Howard in the NFL, as playing quarterback at the next level requires not only physical talent but also the mental fortitude to manage a team and lead in critical moments. NFL teams value quarterbacks who can make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, and Howard’s composure could serve him well as he transitions to the professional ranks.

3. Areas for Improvement

While Howard’s NFL Draft stock is rising, it’s important to recognize that he still has areas of his game that could benefit from further development. NFL scouts are always looking for well-rounded quarterbacks, and while Howard has shown a lot of promise, certain aspects of his game need refinement for him to truly make the leap to the professional level.

Consistency in Decision-Making

Though Howard has demonstrated significant growth, he has occasionally shown lapses in decision-making, particularly under pressure. As with most young quarterbacks, Howard sometimes forces throws into tight coverage or tries to make plays outside the structure of the offense. These moments can hinder his overall development and hurt his stock in the eyes of NFL scouts.

Being able to process information quickly and make smart, decisive choices is crucial in the NFL. If Howard can continue to refine his decision-making and eliminate the tendency to make risky throws in critical situations, his stock will continue to climb.

Accuracy on Intermediate Routes

While Howard’s deep-ball accuracy is one of his strengths, he has occasionally struggled with intermediate throws, especially on routes over the middle of the field. Consistently hitting tight windows in the intermediate passing game will be one of the key areas he’ll need to improve if he wants to thrive in the NFL.

Quarterbacks in the NFL need to be able to make all the necessary throws at different levels of the field, and while Howard has the physical tools to succeed, ensuring that his accuracy remains sharp on shorter routes and intermediate passes will be crucial for his continued development.

Pocket Awareness and Footwork

While Howard is an excellent athlete, he sometimes struggles with his pocket awareness, particularly when under pressure. His ability to sense the rush and adjust his footwork in the pocket is an area he can continue to develop. In the NFL, pocket awareness is essential for quarterbacks to avoid sacks, find throwing lanes, and buy themselves extra time to make a play.

Refining his footwork and becoming more comfortable in the pocket will help Howard maintain his accuracy and stay poised under pressure. As he works with NFL coaches and training staff, this will be an area to watch closely.

4. What the Future Holds: How High Can His Stock Rise?

As Howard prepares for his final season at Ohio State, his NFL Draft stock could continue to rise if he addresses the areas of improvement and maintains his strengths. A strong 2024 season could push him into the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks available in the 2025 draft.

A Strong 2024 Season Could Elevate His Stock

If Howard continues to perform at a high level in 2024, he could solidify his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class. Success in key games, particularly against other top teams like Michigan and Penn State, could provide a final showcase of his abilities. If he continues to develop his decision-making and accuracy while maintaining his dual-threat ability, Howard could enter the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the top prospects.

Scouting Combine and Pro Day Performances

Howard’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and his Pro Day will also play a significant role in his draft stock. A strong showing in workouts, particularly with regards to his arm strength, mobility, and overall athleticism, could elevate him into the upper echelons of the draft rankings. Scouts will closely evaluate his ability to perform under pressure in a controlled setting, and a great showing could be the final piece in his rise up draft boards.

5. The Bottom Line: Will Howard’s Stock Keep Rising?

The future for Will Howard appears to be extremely promising. With his unique blend of skills, physical traits, and leadership qualities, he is a player who has the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. While there are areas for improvement, Howard’s upward trajectory is undeniable. If he can address his consistency and fine-tune his decision-making, there is every reason to believe that his draft stock will continue to rise as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.

Ohio State has historically produced top-tier quarterbacks, and Howard could be the next in line to make his mark on the professional stage. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Howard as he seeks to continue his rise and cement his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.