Will Howard, the standout quarterback from Ohio State, has emerged as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft following an impressive senior season that culminated in a national championship victory. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Howard possesses the prototypical size NFL teams covet in a quarterback. After winning a National Championship, Howard has emerged as a solid under-the-radar prospect in this year’s draft.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Howard, Ohio State
Physical Traits
Howard boasts a strong arm capable of making all the throws required at the NFL level. His size allows him to see over the offensive line and deliver passes with authority. He also demonstrates good mobility, having rushed for 226 yards and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate season. This dual-threat ability adds an extra dimension to his game that NFL teams will find appealing.
Production and Performance
In 2024, Howard showcased significant improvement in his game, completing 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions. His accuracy and decision-making took a noticeable leap forward, as evidenced by his impressive completion percentage. Howard’s performance in high-pressure situations was particularly noteworthy, as he excelled during Ohio State’s College Football Playoff run, throwing for 1,150 yards and eight touchdowns with a 75.2% completion rate in four playoff games.
Mental Processing and Leadership
Howard’s experience as a multi-year starter, first at Kansas State and then at Ohio State, has honed his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. His career record of 29 wins and 14 losses as a starter demonstrates his ability to lead teams to victory. The quarterback’s transfer to Ohio State and subsequent national championship win highlight his adaptability and leadership skills in new environments.
Areas for Improvement
While Howard has shown significant growth, there are areas where he can still develop. His decision-making, while improved, can still be refined to reduce interceptions at the next level. Additionally, consistency in his mechanics and footwork will be crucial for success against NFL-caliber defenses.
NFL Projection
Howard’s draft stock has been on the rise following his stellar senior season and national championship performance. NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah believes Howard could be selected within the top 50 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. This projection places him solidly in the second round, with potential to climb even higher depending on his pre-draft workouts and interviews.
The Las Vegas Raiders, with their need for a quarterback and newly hired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (who coached Howard at Ohio State), could be a potential landing spot. The Raiders’ possession of two third-round picks (No. 68 and No. 73 overall) puts them in a prime position to select Howard if he falls out of the second round.
Scheme Fit and NFL Readiness
Howard’s experience in multiple offensive systems, including Chip Kelly’s scheme at Ohio State, suggests he could adapt well to various NFL offenses. His ability to make plays both from the pocket and on the move makes him a versatile option for teams looking to add dynamism to their offense.
While Howard may not be considered an immediate starter by all NFL teams, his physical tools, collegiate experience, and recent success under high-pressure situations make him an intriguing prospect with the potential to develop into a solid NFL starter.
Character and Intangibles
Off the field, Howard has demonstrated strong character and academic prowess. He maintained a 3.94 GPA at Ohio State and was a candidate for Academic All-America honors. This intellectual capacity bodes well for his ability to grasp complex NFL playbooks and make quick decisions on the field.
Conclusion
Will Howard enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a promising quarterback prospect with a blend of physical tools, proven production, and leadership qualities. His dramatic improvement in his final collegiate season, capped by a national championship, has significantly boosted his draft stock. While he may not be considered the top quarterback in his class, Howard possesses the attributes that NFL teams look for in a developmental prospect with starter potential.
Projected as a day two selection, likely in the second or third round, Howard offers an NFL team the opportunity to secure a quarterback with upside without the pressure of a first-round pick. His combination of size, arm talent, mobility, and football IQ make him an intriguing option for teams looking to solidify their quarterback room or plan for the future at the position.
As the draft process unfolds, Howard’s stock may continue to rise, especially if he impresses during pre-draft workouts and interviews. Regardless of where he is ultimately selected, Will Howard has positioned himself as a quarterback to watch in the coming years as he transitions to the professional level.
