Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Size:
Height: 6042
Weight: 236
Arm: 32”
Hand: 9”
Accomplishments:
Second-Team All-Big 12 (2023)
“Will Howard has the physical tools of arm strength and athleticism that NFL franchises want in a starting quarterback.”
Strengths:
Arm Strength
Athleticism
Velocity
Deep-ball accuracy
Concerns:
Inconsistent accuracy
Throwing mechanics
Adjusting to post-snap looks from defenses
Film Analysis:
Will Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State for the 2024 season to become the Buckeyes' starting quarterback. At Ohio State, Howard operated in a Chip Kelly-inspired offense that stretched the field both horizontally and vertically. Early in the season, Howard's role was conservative, focusing on managing games efficiently. However, as the season progressed, his responsibilities expanded, allowing him to play more aggressively and showcase his full skill set.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Howard possesses a strong arm capable of making every throw required at the NFL level. His athleticism enables him to create plays with his legs, whether on designed quarterback runs or in scramble situations. This combination of size, athleticism, and arm talent positions Howard as a promising prospect for success as an NFL quarterback.
Howard's abilities as a quarterback begin with his pre-snap awareness. He demonstrates a strong capacity to read defenses, identify coverages, and recognize pressure, enabling him to make sound decisions post-snap. His ability to scan the field and progress through his reads is evident, as he effectively delivers accurate passes to all levels of the field—short, intermediate, and deep.
In the short game, Howard throws a highly catchable ball, often hitting receivers in stride to maximize yards after the catch. In intermediate areas, he displays impressive velocity, fitting the ball into tight windows in zone coverage. Additionally, Howard shows excellent touch, adjusting the ball's trajectory to place it over second-level defenders while keeping it out of reach of deep defenders.
Howard's deep-ball accuracy is another standout feature. He consistently demonstrates the arm strength to make challenging throws, such as opposite-hash comebacks, and delivers the ball effortlessly to receivers 50-plus yards downfield. When playing aggressively, his arm strength shines, with the ball exploding off his hand as he pushes it vertically. This combination of talent and arm strength makes him one of the stronger-armed prospects entering the NFL.
Howard’s mobility further enhances his draft profile. Throughout his career, he has been effective in creating plays with his legs. On quarterback-designed runs, such as power and counter plays, he efficiently gains yards. Additionally, his mobility plays a crucial role in passing situations, as he moves well in the pocket, evading defenders.
His size and athleticism make him difficult to bring down, even when defenders get a hand on him. Using his strength, Howard can shrug off tackles, extend plays, and keep his eyes downfield to locate open targets. When the pocket collapses, he is adept at escaping to either side, where he can decide to run or deliver accurate passes on the move. This ability to improvise when plays break down adds another dimension to his game.
Despite his considerable strengths, Howard has areas that need refinement. One notable weakness is his struggles against complex defensive schemes. When defenses disguise their coverages or change pre-snap looks post-snap, it can disrupt his rhythm, leading to slower decision-making or mistakes, such as throwing into coverage. Another area for growth is his mechanics. Inconsistent mechanics can affect his release timing, giving defenders a chance to break on the ball, leading to pass breakups or interceptions. Refining his mechanics will help him improve accuracy and consistency, particularly against NFL-caliber defenses.
Overall, Howard possesses all the tools—arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism—required to be a high-level NFL quarterback. With the right coaching and development, there is a clear path for him to excel at the next level and become a coveted starting quarterback in the league.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Oregon (2025), Oregon (2024), Penn State (2024), Tennessee (2024), Michigan (2024)
