Will Howard is WORTHY of a first round pick and there’s not much to say he’s not. To start, Howard is 6’4”, 236 pounds and is able to run at speeds upwards of 22 MPH.In ONE season at Ohio State, Howard completed 73.1% of his passes for 4,010 passing yards, 226 rushing yards, 42 total TD’s, 10 INT’s, and finished a National ChampionThat’s a better season than EITHER CJ Stroud or Justin Fields had at OSU, who were both first round picks. Not to mention Howard led OSU to 6 wins against Top-10 ranked teams this season.Howard is a PROVEN leader and an elite QB. There is a PROBLEM if Howard is not off the board within the first 32 picks …
Will Howard’s performance during the 2024 college football season has ignited discussions about his potential as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 236 pounds, Howard possesses the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback. His reported ability to reach speeds of up to 22 MPH adds a dynamic rushing element to his game.
2024 Season Performance
In his sole season at Ohio State, Howard completed 73.1% of his passes, amassing 4,010 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also contributed 226 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns, culminating in a total of 42 touchdowns. Notably, Howard led the Buckeyes to a National Championship and secured six victories against Top-10 ranked teams. His performance earned him a QBR of 89.6, ranking first nationally.
Comparisons to Previous Ohio State Quarterbacks
Howard’s statistics surpass those of former Ohio State quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields during their respective tenures. Both Stroud and Fields were first-round NFL Draft selections, which bolsters the argument for Howard’s inclusion in the first-round conversation.
Leadership and Intangibles
Beyond his physical attributes and on-field performance, Howard has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. Guiding Ohio State to a National Championship and consistently defeating top-ranked opponents reflect his poise under pressure and ability to inspire his team.
Draft Projections and Evaluations
Despite his impressive collegiate performance, draft projections for Howard vary. Some analysts project him as a mid-round pick, with expectations ranging between the third and fifth rounds. Others suggest he could be selected in the top 50 picks, especially after his standout performance in the College Football Playoff.
Scouting reports highlight Howard’s arm strength and athleticism as significant assets. However, they also note areas for improvement, such as decision-making and consistency, which may influence his draft stock.
Conclusion
Will Howard’s combination of size, athleticism, and a stellar 2024 season positions him as a compelling prospect for the NFL Draft. While some projections place him outside the first round, his proven leadership and performance against top-tier competition make a strong case for his selection within the first 32 picks. Teams in need of a quarterback may find Howard’s skill set and track record difficult to overlook.
