Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Will Howard was hoping to use the NFL Combine to improve his draft stock, but he might have some work to do at his pro day based on how he fared in Indianapolis. However, Shedeur Sanders went to bat for the former Ohio State quarterback after he had trouble connecting with receivers during a throwing drill.
It’s pretty hard for a college football team to win a national championship without a talented quarterback, and Will Howard was more than able to hold his own in the pocket while leading Ohio State to its first title in a decade in his first (and final) season with the team.
Howard is one of a number of notable QBs currently gearing up to make the leap to the NFL; Cam Ward is expected to be the first name off of the board, and most draft projections had the former Buckeye behind seven or eight other prospects heading into the NFL Combine.
Howard declined to take part in the 40-yard dash or bench press at the combine and posted respectable but largely unremarkable results in the four other events he did participate in. However, he did have the chance to set himself apart from a pretty crowded pack when he had the opportunity to show off his arm by throwing to some wide receivers.
Unfortunately, his performance in that drill left a bit to be desired, as he initially struggled with his accuracy but was eventually able to recover by rattling off a few solid passes.
Rough start for Will Howard 😬
pic.twitter.com/ZCz6G6lXvh— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) March 1, 2025
That showing didn’t necessarily tank his draft stock, but there’s certainly room for improvement when Howard participates in his pro day at Ohio State on March 26th.
He’ll be able to benefit from targeting some wide receivers he’s slightly more familiar with during that showcase—an advantage Shedeur Sanders (the Colorado product listed behind Ward on most draft boards) noted the QB was unable to take advantage of when he hopped online on Sunday to defend Howard from the haters who criticized his combine outing.
I don’t understand y’all hating on @whoward_ he just won a natty. It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone run routes different !
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) March 2, 2025
What a guy.