Quarterback Will Howard‘s draft inventory ought to be pointing up after main the Ohio State Buckeyes to their first nationwide title in 10 years on Monday evening.
In opposition to the Notre Dame Combating Irish, Howard accomplished a 56-yard move to freshman WR Jeremiah Smith on a Third-and-11 late within the fourth quarter, sealing a 34-23 victory for the Buckeyes. The QB completed 17-of-21 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns, incomes the sport’s Offensive MVP.
Earlier than the nationwide championship, ESPN’s Pat McAfee — a former punter — stated he was stunned Howard wasn’t producing extra hype.
“I like him rather a lot,” McAfee stated of Howard. “I feel [ESPN draft guru] Mel Kiper Jr. is projecting him to be within the fourth spherical. I’m baffled by that, particularly with what he is been doing on the most important levels you will get in faculty ball.”
In four College Football Playoff games, Howard accomplished 75.2 % of his passes for 1,150 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. It is also value noting that the fifth-year senior posted the FBS’ finest QBR (89.6) in 16 begins.
On his updated big board, Kiper ranks Howard because the No. 6 QB within the class. Tankathon, in the meantime, would not checklist him amongst its top 100 players.
Nonetheless, a group might fall in love with Howard throughout the pre-draft course of. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder has a few of the instruments NFL groups covet.
“A cell quarterback with the flexibility to push the ball downfield has an actual place within the NFL,” wrote The thirty third Group’s Tyler Brooke in a bit revealed Tuesday. “He additionally has important enjoying expertise on the faculty stage, which is turning into extra beneficial for groups after watching [Washington Commanders QB] Jayden Daniels and [Denver Broncos QB] Bo Nix hit the bottom working instantly as rookies after enjoying tons of school soccer.”
Groups with quarterback questions, just like the Indianapolis Colts or Pittsburgh Steelers, ought to think about taking a flier on Howard on Day 2 or 3 of the draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay.
The 2025 class would not appear deep on the place, and the 23-year-old could also be a sleeper.
