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Will Howard is, by far, the most complicated Ohio State player to look at as the NFL Draft approaches. Some mock drafts had him near the first round at points in this cycle. Some have him falling way down the draft board. What makes Howard so interesting? And what should Buckeye fans expect when looking for their National Champion one-year starter?
Howard had a successful career at Kansas State before transferring to the Buckeyes for his final season. Expectations were mixed preseason, as he certainly wasn't the biggest name in the transfer portal. Most thought Ohio state was getting a serviceable game manager with enough dual-threat ability to keep defenses honest. As we all saw in crunch time in his magical season, Howard was so much more than that. And that same dichotomy confounding draft experts--and maybe NFL coaches and GMs as well.
Why do I say anywhere? Because, really, anything is possible. Is he going to go in Round 1? Almost certainly not. But Howard's draft preparation has been as up and down as much of his college career--even his senior season--was. From a bumpy Combine to a stellar Pro Day, the full range of possibilities with Howard was on display--just like Howard went from his worst showing of the season against Michigan to going on an all-time tear through the College Football Playoff.
By normal standards and what NFL teams usually look at, Howard is a late-round pick. Mock drafts and draft expert put him as a fifth-round talent, on average. Howard looks like a solid NFL backup but not a franchise quarterback, and solid NFL backups are usually found in the fifth or sixth round.
But how many NFL teams saw what Howard did in the CFP--from impeccable deep balls to scrambling ability to near-perfect decision-making--and must be thinking that he has elite quarterback potential and that he would be the steal of the draft that late? And how many teams are thinking that and nervous that another team might be thinking the same thing? It only takes one team willing to gamble on Howard being able to replicate his CFP form for years to come for him to fly way up the draft board. But if every team thinks they can't risk that, he could fall pretty low too.
Much like his college career, Will Howard's draft position is the full range of possibilities. Buckeye fans now know where to expect him to land eventually. But will an NFL team agree with them?
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Will Howard NFL Draft profile and projection
Continue reading...
Howard had a successful career at Kansas State before transferring to the Buckeyes for his final season. Expectations were mixed preseason, as he certainly wasn't the biggest name in the transfer portal. Most thought Ohio state was getting a serviceable game manager with enough dual-threat ability to keep defenses honest. As we all saw in crunch time in his magical season, Howard was so much more than that. And that same dichotomy confounding draft experts--and maybe NFL coaches and GMs as well.
Will Howard, Quarterback
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Draft Projection: Anywhere
Why do I say anywhere? Because, really, anything is possible. Is he going to go in Round 1? Almost certainly not. But Howard's draft preparation has been as up and down as much of his college career--even his senior season--was. From a bumpy Combine to a stellar Pro Day, the full range of possibilities with Howard was on display--just like Howard went from his worst showing of the season against Michigan to going on an all-time tear through the College Football Playoff.
By normal standards and what NFL teams usually look at, Howard is a late-round pick. Mock drafts and draft expert put him as a fifth-round talent, on average. Howard looks like a solid NFL backup but not a franchise quarterback, and solid NFL backups are usually found in the fifth or sixth round.
But how many NFL teams saw what Howard did in the CFP--from impeccable deep balls to scrambling ability to near-perfect decision-making--and must be thinking that he has elite quarterback potential and that he would be the steal of the draft that late? And how many teams are thinking that and nervous that another team might be thinking the same thing? It only takes one team willing to gamble on Howard being able to replicate his CFP form for years to come for him to fly way up the draft board. But if every team thinks they can't risk that, he could fall pretty low too.
Much like his college career, Will Howard's draft position is the full range of possibilities. Buckeye fans now know where to expect him to land eventually. But will an NFL team agree with them?
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Will Howard NFL Draft profile and projection
Continue reading...
