Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) takes a snap during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.
Will Howard QB Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Will Howard QB Ohio State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 01/03/2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.85 seconds (45%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 01/03/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.85 seconds (45%*) | |
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |
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| Overall Rating: | 83.1 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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87% |
| Short Passing: |
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80% |
| Medium Passing: |
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87% |
| Long Passing: |
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97% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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70% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
4th
Overall Rank:
#127
Position rank:
#7
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| College Games: 46 College Snaps: 2578 | ||
ESPN RATING: 76/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 88/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.5 (90%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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| Will Levis - Kentucky |
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72% |
| Carson Strong - Nevada |
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66% |
| Tanner McKee - Stanford |
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65% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Will Howard transferred to Ohio State after setting Kansas State records with 48 career touchdown passes. His lone season with the Buckeyes showcased significant growth - completing 73.2% of passes for 3,171 yards and 36 total touchdowns (29 passing, 7 rushing). Howard saved his best for the postseason, dismantling Tennessee (42-17) before a surgical Rose Bowl performance against Oregon where he went 17/26 for 319 yards and 3 scores, including perfect execution on deep throws.The 6'4", 235-pound signal-caller demonstrated marked improvement operating Ohio State's pro-style attack, particularly in the playoffs where his anticipation and ball placement shined. His mid-season struggles against Michigan exposed some limitations, but his bounce-back performances solidified his draft positioning.
Howard enters the NFL draft pool with extensive starting experience across two Power 5 programs and multiple offensive systems. His combination of prototypical size and mobility helped guide the Buckeyes to the CFP semifinals while setting career highs in completion percentage and touchdown production.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Plus size/mass ratio with natural anchor strength to extend plays through contact
- Shows torque generation on intermediate throws when lower half is synced
- High-level processing on play-action - manipulates second-level defenders with eye discipline
- Flashes anticipatory traits hitting receivers out of breaks against zone coverage
- Above-baseline athletic traits for frame - can stress edges on designed runs and scrambles
- Clean footwork operating under center - shows comfort in pro-style drop concepts
- Natural rhythm passer when protected - efficient ball distributor to multiple levels
- Advanced pre-snap recognition allows quick progression reads against vanilla looks
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Hip tightness impacts reset ability when moving off platform
- Sporadic ball placement stems from inconsistent weight transfer
- Limited second-reaction creativity when primary reads are covered
- Processing speed dips against exotic pressure packages
- Age-adjusted profile (24 as rookie) caps developmental projection
Scouting Report: Summary
Howard's 2024 tape requires careful parsing - while his statistical production impressed, context matters. Operating behind NFL-caliber protection with elite weapons, 40.4% of his attempts went to wide-open targets. The Rose Bowl performance validated his ceiling as a rhythm passer, but lingering mechanical inconsistencies and processing limitations against pressure suggest a high-end backup projection.His ideal role would be backing up an established starter where he can refine his platform mechanics while providing capable insurance. The physical tools are NFL-caliber - particularly his size/arm strength combination and comfort under center. However, tight-window accuracy and off-script playmaking need significant development.
Projects as a developmental day three selection who could outperform his draft slot in the right system. Smart offensive coordinators will leverage his play-action prowess and intermediate accuracy while masking his limitations against complex defensive looks. His floor appears relatively high for a late-round quarterback given his experience and physical traits.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Will Howard (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
130.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
13.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.