Ourlads' Profile:
2025 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about WILL HOWARD:
Ohio State | Hometown: Downingtown, PA | HT: 6042 | WT: 236 | 40 time: N/A | Hand: 0918 | Arm: 3278 | Wing: 7700
Five-year starter. Spent four seasons at Kansas State prior to transferring to Ohio State in 2024. Set a Kansas State career record with 48 career touchdown passes and added another 19 on the ground even though he was in and out of the lineup a few times early in his career. Put himself on the national radar in 2022 when he led the Wildcats to a win against TCU in the Big 12 Championship game. Two seasons later, he led the Buckeyes to a National Championship. He is an easy prospect to like at the start of the process. Has a massive frame with a dual threat approach and steadily improved his passing over his career. Can break tackles and avoid sacks. Tough with the ball in his hands but knows when to get it out. He is a game manager who knows how to distribute the ball out quickly and accurately. While he does not have the most live arm and there is a cap to his overall physical potential, he ascended to new heights last fall and gives hope to what he can evolve into at the next level. A safe pick to be a quality long-time backup with his versatile skill set and performance in big games within different systems. There are realistic scenarios where he can be an average starter if he is put in a friendly system. Plays on time and in-structure. Will consistently take what the defense gives him but also improved his downfield passing in the Ohio State system. Footwork is clean which opens the door to accurate ball placement to all three levels. Ball hangs in the air too long. Has a tough time making big time throws into tight windows down the field. May need to limit his air yards. Will push and aim the ball rather than throw it. Has some issues that show up consistently against a fast pass rush. Has some stiffness throughout the body that creates a lack of reaction speed and twitch.
2024 Stats: 309/423, 4010 yds, 73.0%, 35 TD, 10 INT, 226 yds rushing, 7 TD, 175.3 QB rating. VJ-31.5, SS-4.33. Draft projection: 3rd/4th round