There are probably very few quarterbacks in history who have faced a tragic contradiction of fate like Will Howard. Just within a month in the heyday of his college football career, the Buckeyes’ natty winning QB1 found himself in deep soup. The NFL calling went south for the Pennsylvania native, even if he didn’t follow the trend of missing out on throws during the Combine. Rather, his drills garnered a lot of harsh comments online. Fans and veterans vehemently claimed his performance was way below average; in fact, some dubbed it the worst. But it seems the Pro Day works like a medicine for his dropped-off momentum.
Howard endured the criticism, but now, as he makes a nostalgic comeback to the Ohio State pro day, his voice reflects a unique confidence that clearly gives off a pick me or miss me kind of view. Will Howard gets himself settled at midfield and produces a pass that falls into the hands of Ohio Statewide receiver Carnell Tate in the end zone. An ‘awe’ moment in the entire throwing season!
In front of 142 NFL personnel who lined the indoor field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Howard showcased why he owns a natty. His precision as a passer, finishing up 64 of 67 passes to receivers running routes on air, was a treat to the eyes of any football freak. Of course, it wasn’t free from a couple of bad misses, but it’s only human. Two of his three incompletions bounced off the edge of his targets. But there was something bigger than his performance – his confidence. And he dished a clear-cut reply to the NFL teams for all the past taunts during the post-Pro Day interview:
Sep 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) throws a pass against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images
“I believe I’m the best quarterback in this draft class and you know, if I think, I came out here and showed that I can, I can spin it with the best, and I think hopefully, hopefully some of the teams agree with me,” Howard shimmered in a rebounded poise.
He didn’t overestimate himself at all. Ryan Day, who has been an avid witness of the season, thinks the same. He said he’s highly hoping that a handful of NFL scouts would take notice of his unique blend of talent, the incredible size, and the way the ball was coming out of his hand. Howard was phenomenal down the field as well. It seems the sweet, cherished air of his alma matter did the magic. Howard continues making his case as a potential top day 2 or day 3 pick. “They always talk about you, just need 11 teams to fall in love and, you know, I think it was a great day. It was an amazing time just being back here with my guys,” said the OSU QB.
Moving ahead, the latest in his watch would be a $6.2 billion NFL team. Any guesses who it might be?
Will Howard makes a head-turning announcement on his NFL Draft saga
Will Howard just came off fresh from a hectic pro day performance and didn’t take long to let the world know where she’s up to next. The Buckeyes QB said that he would visit Las Vegas with the Raiders and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Howard’s offensive coordinator at Ohio State, in 2024.
Hosting a visit doesn’t guarantee any landing. All it does is raise the bar of the expectation, but not without a pinch of logic as well. Given the Raiders only get 30 of these pre-draft visits, it denotes they don’t meet Howard if they don’t have even the slightest bit of interest in drafting him.
Also, the Silver and Black have veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who is all ready to nail the starting role next season, but he is touching the trail of his career, and the franchise didn’t hinge on his seniority that much. They are actively looking for a fresh face who won’t demand an immediate starter role and can wait and learn from behind the QB1 with patience. Howard looks like an idealistic fit, but they will meet Quinn Ewers, the Texas crown jewel, as well. So, it’s hard to conclude this early, but it’s safe to say, after the Pro Day supremacy, Howard’s NFL fate starts to rise again.
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