Will Howard is undeniably worthy of being a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, and there’s little argument to be made against his credentials. At 6’4″ and 236 pounds, Howard possesses the ideal physical traits of a modern NFL quarterback. On top of his size, he is remarkably agile, running at speeds upwards of 22 MPH, which showcases his athleticism and ability to evade pressure in the pocket—an increasingly important skill at the next level.
In just one season at Ohio State, Howard put together a remarkable campaign that certainly places him among the elite quarterbacks in college football. He completed 73.1% of his passes, throwing for a total of 4,010 yards. But Howard didn’t just rely on his arm—he also showcased his dual-threat capability, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a total of 42 touchdowns, including both passing and rushing. To add to his impressive stats, Howard threw just 10 interceptions, maintaining a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio.
What truly makes Howard stand out is his ability to perform in the most high-pressure situations. His leadership and poise were evident as he guided Ohio State to a National Championship, cementing his place in college football history. Howard’s ability to lead his team to victory, particularly when faced with tough competition, is a testament to his readiness for the next level. In fact, his season was more impressive than either CJ Stroud or Justin Fields, two former Ohio State quarterbacks who were both first-round picks in their respective drafts.
Moreover, Howard led Ohio State to a remarkable 6-0 record against Top-10 ranked teams this season, a feat that demonstrates his ability to perform when the stakes are the highest. Winning games against top-ranked teams is one of the most crucial factors in evaluating a quarterback’s potential, and Howard passed that test with flying colors.
Beyond his statistical output and athletic traits, Howard is a proven leader. Leadership is often an intangible quality that’s hard to quantify, but it’s perhaps the most important trait for a quarterback to possess. Howard’s ability to rally his teammates, maintain composure under pressure, and perform on the biggest stages makes him an ideal fit for any NFL franchise looking for a quarterback who can take charge.
It would be a serious oversight if Howard is not selected within the first 32 picks of the draft. Given his performance at Ohio State, his physical tools, and his leadership qualities, it is clear that he has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. There is little doubt that Howard’s combination of talent and proven success at the collegiate level positions him as one of the top quarterback prospects in this draft class.
In conclusion, Will Howard has all the qualities necessary to be an elite NFL quarterback. His impressive statistics, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure make him more than deserving of a first-round pick. Any team passing on him would be making a grave mistake.
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