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: 09/20/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.85 seconds (45%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
Last Updated: 09/20/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.85 seconds (45%*) | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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Overall Rating: | 81.0 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
Defense Rating: |
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75% |
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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78% |
Medium Passing: |
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86% |
Long Passing: |
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92% |
Rush/Scramble: |
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69% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#238
Position rank:
#22
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College Games: 44 College Snaps: 2463 | ||
College Combine Results
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Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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Will Levis - Kentucky |
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67% |
Kyle Trask - Florida |
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67% |
Joe Milton III - Tennessee |
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61% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Will Howard transferred to Ohio State after a productive four-year career at Kansas State. During his time at Kansas State, Howard played in 34 games and started 28. He set a school record with 48 career touchdown passes and tied the single-season record with 24 touchdown passes in 2023. In his senior year, he threw for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 351 yards and nine touchdowns. Howard led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title in 2022, defeating TCU in the championship game.
Howard's college career is marked by a series of accolades, including Second-team All-Big 12 and Academic All-Big 12 honors. He holds multiple Kansas State records, ranking fourth in career completions (458), fifth in passing yards (5,786), and fourth in total touchdowns responsible for (67). He also showed versatility and mobility, rushing for 921 yards and 19 touchdowns over his college career. Howard's performance in high-pressure games, such as his career-high 327 passing yards and four touchdowns against Texas in 2023, highlights his capability to deliver under pressure.
Originally from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard was a three-star recruit out of Downingtown West High School. In high school, he earned accolades such as All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year and Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year. He threw for 5,308 yards and 48 touchdowns in high school and also scored over 1,000 points in basketball. At Ohio State, Howard is pursuing a master’s degree in sports coaching while preparing to elevate his draft stock in his final year of eligibility.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- At 240 lbs he's got a robust build and strong physical presence in the pocket, providing durability and stability.
- Effective arm strength with good velocity on short and medium-range throws.
- Excellent mobility for his size, allowing him to avoid defenders and extend plays.
- Strong awareness and ability to maneuver within the pocket under pressure.
- Versatile arm angles for adjusting throws and creating passing lanes.
- Shows good anticipation, often delivering passes before receivers make their breaks.
- Displays toughness when running, using his size to push through tackles and gain extra yards.
- Efficient in running option plays, demonstrating quick decision-making and burst.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Limited agility and hip flexibility, impacting his ability to change direction in the pocket.
- Over-reliance on arm strength, leading to inconsistent mechanics and accuracy issues.
- Can become erratic under pressure, sometimes dropping his eyes and making hurried decisions.
- Needs to improve accuracy on short throws and passes behind the line of scrimmage.
- Lacks elite deep ball velocity, making it difficult to consistently hit long passes.
Scouting Report: Summary
Will Howard shows impressive physical traits with his size and durability, making him a solid presence in the pocket. His arm is solid enough for the pro game, particularly in short and intermediate ranges. He has proven his mobility and toughness as a runner, adding another dimension to his game. Howard's ability to extend plays and make off-platform throws adds value, especially considering his experience in a challenging Kansas State offense.
However, Howard's game is not without its flaws. He lacks elite deep ball velocity and needs to improve his accuracy on short throws. His mechanics can be inconsistent, leading to issues under pressure. Additionally, Howard sometimes relies too heavily on his physical talents, which affects his decision-making and precision. These are areas he must address to succeed at the next level.
With elite talent surrounding him at Ohio State, Howard can make a statement in 2024 as he's now the presumptive starter. He managed to put up solid stats at Kansas State despite limited support, showing resilience and adaptability. If he can polish his mechanics and decision-making, Howard could transition from a mid-to-late-round pick to a reliable NFL backup or even a potential starter. His final season at Ohio State will be crucial in determining his NFL future.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Will Howard (Overall Rank)
*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.