Will Howard NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Ohio State QB

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 237

POSITIVES

— Plus-level athleticism and mobility capable of making plays on the move.

— Good arm talent can make numerous NFL throws inside and outside the pocket.

— Well-experienced player with over 1,800 (currently) dropbacks in his collegiate career.

— Good understanding of when to throw with velocity and touch, layers his throws well.

NEGATIVES

— Limiting putting the football in harm's way and turnover-worthy plays.

— Lower body mechanics lack consistency on dropbacks, can get heel-clicky when climbing the pocket.

—Will be 24 as a rookie and viewed as a prospect who is near his ceiling.

— None of his tools, physical or mental, are on an elite tier.

NOTES

— Born Sept. 24, 2001

— 3-star recruit in 2020 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Transfers from Kansas State to Ohio State

— 2023: Second-team All-Big 12; Honorable Mention Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year

OVERALL

Will Howard is a physically talented quarterback with dual-threat playmaking abilities.

Howard is a good athlete for his size and stature. He has the athleticism for designed quarterback runs. In the low red zone, Howard's rushing ability forces defenses to play them honestly and factor him into their run defense. He navigates the pocket fairly well, sliding from pressure, and will break the pocket if defensive pressure flushes him out. Howard's big frame increases effectiveness near the goal; he will lower his shoulder to force his way into the end zone.

Regarding the passing game, Howard operates well within the short and intermediate parts of the field. He flashes good velocity from zero to 15 yards down the field. Designed and isolated quick-passing concepts work well for Howard as they provide easy ways to attack the defense and get into a rhythm. He attacks the seam routes well, throwing with the right amount of velocity and touch based on the defensive coverage. Howard throws down the field with good touch and ball placement, landing over the receiver's shoulders.

Howard's lower body mechanics in the pocket are inconsistent, resulting in off-target passes. His footwork gets off schedule, and he is skittish in the pocket. After hitting the top of the drop, when he attempts to climb or hitch forward in the pocket, Howard can be heel-clicky. This results in a decrease in accuracy. Howard must find stability and consistency with his base inside the pocket to enhance his accuracy and ball placement.

He must refrain from putting the football in harm's way. Howard tends to lock onto his initial read or pre-determine his read based on the pre-snap defensive alignment. This creates vulnerability when the defense changes its pre-snap look post-snap. Howard tests windows with a gunslinger mentality. He had multiple dropped interceptions this season alone. He is an older prospect; this can push him further down the draft boards. Many NFL teams prioritize youth with their draft prospects because of their ceilings. Howard has to overcome the stereotype that older prospects' potential and ceiling are capped or have been reached.

Overall, Will Howard has the tools and abilities teams look for in a developmental prospect. He offers an NFL skill set and starting upside. Howard's flashes of passing upside and his rushing ability will be enticing to an NFL franchise in the draft.

GRADE: 7.5 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 51

POSITION RANK: QB3

PRO COMPARISON: Blake Bortles

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.