Three Perfect Matches for Will Howard of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, there are few players with as much potential as Ohio State’s quarterback, Will Howard. The Buckeyes’ signal-caller has shown immense growth throughout his college career, and as he prepares to take the next step toward the professional ranks, many NFL teams are closely evaluating him as a potential franchise quarterback. Howard, a dual-threat quarterback with an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength, is poised to be one of the standout quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.

While Howard still has room to refine his game, especially when it comes to his decision-making under pressure and his consistency in the pocket, his upside is undeniable. With an ability to make every throw on the field, and with a propensity to excel in big games, Howard has the tools to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

In this article, we’ll take a look at three teams that could be a perfect match for Will Howard in the 2025 NFL Draft. These teams not only fit Howard’s style of play but also offer the right systems and coaching staffs that will allow him to thrive early in his career. As with any quarterback prospect, the right fit is critical to their development, and Howard is no exception.

1. Indianapolis Colts: A Strong Roster and a Coach Who Can Develop Howard

One of the most intriguing landing spots for Will Howard is with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have been in quarterback purgatory for the last few seasons, constantly searching for a long-term solution at the position. After the decline and eventual retirement of Andrew Luck, the team has struggled to find stability at quarterback. They’ve cycled through veteran options like Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, as well as rookie quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson, but they haven’t had the consistency they need to compete for a Super Bowl.

However, the Colts’ roster is built to win now. The team has one of the most talented offensive lines in the NFL, which could give Howard the time he needs to develop into a more consistent passer. Additionally, the Colts have some promising skill players, including running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, and tight end Jelani Woods. These players could provide Howard with weapons to hit the ground running in his rookie season.

The Fit:

Howard’s skill set is a natural match for the Colts’ offense. Head coach Shane Steichen, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, has a history of working with dual-threat quarterbacks, most notably Jalen Hurts. Steichen’s ability to craft an offense that maximizes the strengths of mobile quarterbacks would allow Howard to utilize his athleticism as a weapon. Howard’s mobility could open up the playbook for the Colts, allowing them to use RPOs (run-pass options), designed quarterback runs, and play-action passes to create easy, high-percentage throws for him.

Additionally, Howard’s arm strength and ability to make deep throws would fit well with the Colts’ deep passing game. With Pittman Jr. and Pierce on the outside, Howard would have the opportunity to stretch the field and make throws down the sideline, a skill he’s already demonstrated in college. The offensive line’s ability to protect Howard would give him the time he needs to find these deeper shots.

In terms of development, Steichen has shown he can help quarterbacks improve, especially in their first few years. If Howard can continue to improve his accuracy and decision-making, he could develop into the type of quarterback who can lead the Colts back to playoff contention.

2. Minnesota Vikings: A Stable Coaching Staff and a High-Scoring Offense

Another team that would be a perfect match for Will Howard is the Minnesota Vikings. Despite their struggles in big games in recent seasons, the Vikings have one of the more exciting offenses in the NFL, thanks to the presence of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has been a steady hand at the position for several years. However, as Cousins approaches the twilight of his career, Minnesota will soon need a new face under center. The team has shown they’re willing to make bold moves to reshape their roster, and Will Howard could be their answer at quarterback.

The Vikings have a loaded offensive roster, headlined by wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with a strong running back in Dalvin Cook (if he stays with the team). This arsenal of weapons provides Howard with a wealth of talent to work with early in his career. Additionally, the Vikings’ offensive line has become much more competent in recent years, which would help shield Howard from excessive pressure in the pocket.

The Fit:

Minnesota’s offensive scheme, run by head coach Kevin O’Connell, is a perfect fit for a quarterback like Will Howard. O’Connell, who came from the Sean McVay coaching tree, runs a pass-heavy, play-action-based offense that would allow Howard to take advantage of his big arm and ability to throw deep. The Vikings’ offense, much like McVay’s with the Los Angeles Rams, is predicated on precision passing, spreading the field, and creating mismatches with play-action.

Howard’s ability to make throws outside the pocket would fit well with O’Connell’s system. O’Connell has shown he can adapt to different quarterback skill sets, as he did with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles, and Howard’s mobility and strong arm would be ideal for an offense that relies on big plays and attacking defenses at every level of the field.

Having Jefferson and Addison as his primary targets would allow Howard to develop quickly, as both receivers are capable of winning one-on-one matchups and creating separation with ease. Jefferson’s ability to break tackles and score after the catch would further help Howard settle into the offense, making it easier for him to gain confidence and find success early in his career. Howard’s athleticism also makes him a viable option in the read-option game, and Minnesota could incorporate that into their scheme to give Howard more ways to impact the game.

If Howard lands with the Vikings, he could be the quarterback of the future in Minnesota, bringing a new era to the franchise and helping them challenge for NFC North titles for years to come.

3. Tennessee Titans: A Strong Run Game and a Grounded, Physical Offense

While Will Howard’s fit with pass-heavy teams like the Colts and Vikings is clear, another team that could be a perfect match for Howard’s style is the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have been one of the most physical teams in the NFL for the past several years, thanks to their bruising running back, Derrick Henry. While their offense has been heavily run-oriented, there is still a need for a more dynamic, long-term solution at quarterback.

Ryan Tannehill, the current starter, is aging, and his inconsistencies have led to Tennessee looking for a younger, more mobile quarterback. Enter Will Howard, who could provide the Titans with the dual-threat capability they need to complement Henry’s dominant presence in the backfield. Howard’s ability to operate in a run-heavy offense while also posing a legitimate threat as a passer could be exactly what the Titans are looking for.

The Fit:

Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Titans have built a team that prides itself on physicality and playing to its strengths. Tennessee’s offensive line, while not elite, is well-suited for power running, and Henry has flourished behind it. A quarterback like Howard, who can use his legs to extend plays, run the ball himself, and make plays outside the pocket, would be a natural fit within the Titans’ offense.

In addition to his mobility, Howard’s big arm and ability to push the ball downfield would keep opposing defenses honest. While Tennessee’s passing game has often struggled with consistency, Howard’s deep-ball accuracy and potential for explosive plays could open up the offense in ways that Tannehill could not. Howard’s ability to throw on the move and his skill at reading defenses while under pressure would allow him to succeed in a play-action-based system, where accuracy and decision-making are key.

Another factor that would make Howard a great fit in Tennessee is the potential for the Titans to use his mobility in designed runs and zone-read concepts. As defenses key in on Henry, Howard could make plays with his legs in key situations, creating even more unpredictability for opposing defensive coordinators. By using Howard’s dual-threat abilities to keep defenders on their toes, Tennessee could create an offense that is both powerful and dynamic, able to grind out tough yards on the ground while also being capable of explosive plays through the air.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Draft offers Will Howard the opportunity to join one of several NFL teams that could provide the ideal situation for his growth and development. While there are many teams in need of a quarterback, the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans stand out as the best fits for Howard’s particular skill set.

The Colts, with their offensive line and head coach Shane Steichen’s ability to develop dual-threat quarterbacks, would provide Howard with a balanced offense to succeed in. The Vikings, with their pass-heavy system and talented skill players, would allow Howard to unleash his big arm and athleticism, while the Titans, with their physical style of play and run-heavy attack, would allow him to thrive in a system that would complement his mobility and playmaking ability.

No matter which team selects Howard, his future in the NFL is bright. His combination of physical tools, leadership, and football IQ makes him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. If he lands with one of these teams, Howard has the potential to make an immediate impact and become the face of the franchise for years to come.