It was a rough day for Will Howard at the NFL Scouting Combine. The biggest takeaway from the quarterback workouts was that the Ohio State signal caller may have lost significant ground in the eyes of NFL scouts. Howard, who has been regarded as a promising quarterback prospect, struggled mightily with his deep ball throws, possibly leading to a dramatic dip in his draft stock.
Photo Cred: Fox Sports
Howard’s struggles at the combine were hard to ignore. His deep throws were either overthrown, short, or thrown behind his receivers, a far cry from the impressive play he showed during the college season. Many fans took to social media, criticizing his performance as one of the worst by a quarterback at the combine in recent memory. The combination of shaky footwork and lack of velocity on several throws only added to the criticism, leaving many wondering whether his NFL potential has been overestimated.
The timing of Howard’s disappointing performance was particularly tough. On January 4, 2024, Howard made the decision to return for his senior season at Ohio State, committing to the team after an official visit to Columbus. Just months later, on August 5, 2024, he was named the starter for the Buckeyes, a pivotal moment in his career. Howard led Ohio State to a victory over Notre Dame in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, where he was named Offensive MVP. His leadership on the field was a key factor in the team’s success, and he appeared to be a strong contender for the NFL Draft after his stellar college career.
However, the combine revealed a different side of Howard’s game. While it’s clear that he has the talent and poise that helped him earn national recognition, his performance at the combine raises questions about his consistency, especially when it comes to making the deep throws that are so crucial at the professional level. NFL teams rely heavily on a quarterback’s ability to stretch the field, and Howard’s erratic deep ball at the combine could give some scouts pause as they evaluate his readiness for the next level.
Was his combine performance just a fluke, or is it indicative of more significant flaws in his game? That remains to be seen. It’s important to remember that Howard has demonstrated a high level of accuracy and poise during his time at Ohio State, leading many to believe that his combine struggles might not be reflective of his true potential.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Despite his difficulties at the combine, there is still hope that Howard can regain his confidence and show the type of quarterback he can be during the upcoming Pro Day workouts. This one poor performance will undoubtedly have scouts revisiting his game tape, looking for answers to whether he is truly NFL-ready. With his college accomplishments and leadership skills, Howard still has the potential to be a successful quarterback in the league.
How he rebounds from this disappointing combine performance will be key to shaping his future in the NFL. Howard can still turn things around during his Pro Day, where he will have another opportunity to show off his arm strength, accuracy, and footwork. For now, though, his performance at the combine has certainly raised more questions than answers, and scouts will be watching closely to see if he can regain the form that led to his success at Ohio State.
