Well, the draft board’s a whirlwind, just like a Vegas roulette wheel. And the unsaid competition between Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward for the No.1 pick resembles a wild, referee-less brawl. Shedeur started last year as the +300 favorite at BetMGM, but now he’s barely in the top ten discussion. Conversely, Cam Ward’s stock is soaring, and the Titans seem increasingly likely to draft him first overall. But here’s the kicker: There’s a dark-horse contender—a surprisingly poised and assertive quarterback—who could completely shake things up, leaving both Shedeur and Cam in his wake.

But who’s this 23-year-old QB whose confidence is digging a grave for the top QBs draft stocks? It’s none other than last season’s championship title winner, Ohio State’s star player, Will Howard. Well, when people say confidence is the key, Howard actually made a note of it. Look, it’s evident that Will isn’t projected as high as Cam & Shedeur this season in the drafts, especially after the Combine snub after missing a few throws. But he believes he is the best among all of them. Talking to ESPN, he said, “I believe I’m the best quarterback in this class,” the 23-year-old told ESPN. “I think there’s unbelievable talent. But if you’re going to be a competitor, at the end of the day, you have to have that belief in yourself, and I think that’s what helps me get through those adverse times.”

Now, what makes Will Howard think he is the best QB in the class? Shedding light on why he said it, Howard gets back again on NFL on ESPN, talking about why people should believe him, saying, “First and foremost, I think, if you don’t have that belief in yourself, then what are you doing?” Howard said. “I’m a confident guy. I feel like you have to have that intrinsic confidence in yourself. I believe that I have the arm strength, I believe that I have the accuracy, and I believe that I have all the physical traits.” No wonder that’s the case with him.

This guy put together a strong season in 2024 for the Bucks. Having completed 73.1% of his pass attempts for 4,010 yards, 35 TDs, and 10 interceptions, he is no less than Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in terms of accuracy and excellence. But Howard thinks what truly sets him apart from them is, “My mind and the ability to deal with adversity. Now, I’ve seen pretty much every situation that college QB could see in my 40-something starts. I’ve played a lot of football; I’ve seen a lot of stuff. I feel like my ability to assess what the defense is doing and what we’re doing to combat that—that’s what really sets me apart.”

Look, even though the Combine took a toll on Will Howard’s draft stocks, he made sure he shined brighter than anyone in his pro day. And unofficially, Howard was 43 of 46 on his pro day throws. And the best part? He came, conquered, and showed the entire nation what he’s capable of. And he is not the only one who thinks that; even Bleacher Report analyst Brent Sobleski thinks his exceptional skills can land him early in the second round.

Now, Sobleski did praise Will Howard but also highlighted his shortcomings, saying, “Howard can be inconsistent as a passer, especially early in the game when he’s amped up. He can also place the ball in harm’s way with certain throws. But he’s an experienced prospect with a sturdy frame, good arm, excellent movement skills, and [a] solid understanding of his job. Those traits make him QB3 on B/R’s board and could push him into the early second-round range.” But the hype around Howard is landing Shedeur and Cam in a tough spot.

Will Howard’s confidence is turning things weird for Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward

Look, after 4 years at Kansas State, Will Howard got into Ohio State with two dreams: one, improving his QB position, and second, winning a championship title. No wonder he did both of them. Howard accurately throws the long ball, giving his receiver a chance to catch it. Only Shedeur Sanders has better accuracy, and that’s by just 1%. On throws to the sideline, Howard is always right behind Shedeur. So, no wonder Howard thinks he is the best or at least trying to be the best. But fans are not just agreeing with him but also highlighting his other skills, saying, “He also has leadership; I don’t see that with the other QBs.”

Even this fan thinks that Will Howard might end up being the best QB in his class. Praising his skills, they say, “He may turn out to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up that way. He works hard, is humble, and has the physicality that will do well for an NFL QB.” There’s a reason people say Howard is humble. In 2021, when Kansas added Nebraska’s QB Adrian Martinez from the portal and then made him the starter, this guy did get angry, but then he also stayed calm and respected all he did after 4 years of criticism and struggle with the injury.

That’s what makes him an honorable person. But somehow, Howard’s draft buzz gave fans an open license to throw jabs at Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. As one fan said, “He did show up when it mattered. Cam Ward was too selfish to play a whole bowl game, and Sanders didn’t even show up for Colorado’s bowl game.” Look, Cam didn’t play the second half of the game, but then he made his point clear, saying, “We feel like we’re doing what’s best for the program and myself.” But Shedeur Sanders did play in the Alamo Bowl. He threw for 208 yards, completing 16 of 23 passes. So, what’s the point of throwing jabs at him?

Now, people do believe in Will Howard’s confidence and praise him, saying, “Well, that’s a hot take, but believe what you want to achieve.” But it’s not just fans or Howard who think that; even his former team’s coach, Chris Klieman, thinks this quality of his is what makes him stand out. “That’s what I think sets him apart right now from a lot of people is the confidence and the belief that kid has in himself because of the adversity that he faced. There were some games he didn’t play very well as a true freshman. Makes sense; he hadn’t had the reps. But I know he learned so much from it,” said Klieman. No wonder fans are going crazy over him. “Will Howard is solid, though. 🤷🏾‍♂️”

Now, let’s wait and see if this confidence resonates well in the drafts or not!