After we moved past an overwhelming college football regular season, the NFL scouts got on their toes, picking up the best of the best for the new season. The national title-winning team had to give up several guys, including their offensive beating heart, Will Howard, to the draft. The 23-year-old’s stint at OSU was brief yet unforgettable. He led the team to their first national title victory in a decade, adding 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the ground. The grit, the passion, and the leadership he showcased throughout the season were formidable and an immediate head-turner to any NFL juggernaut. However, he was not viewed as a top-tier pro prospect nevertheless unless and until we entered a high-octane playoff followed by the breathtaking final

Well, all having said and done, it’s time for the underrated QB to have some well-deserved spotlight among the NFL scouts.

Will Howard receives tons of hype on his NFL stocks

You may argue that the NFL discussion is turning into nothing but a plain mess these days, smoking unrealistic truth here and there, the pre-draft analysis still makes the round especially if it’s about Will Howard, you can’t help paying heed. Howard was not even there on the scene, but as we progressed into the season, Howard earned enough reputation under his belt to be considered as a late-round pick. Many analysts started to go a little more bullish on Howard’s outlook. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah deems him a top-50 selection. In a zoomed-in view, his quality became an unavoidable truth. Howard has the typical NFL size, a robust arm, IMO, the minute accuracy, good poise, and a lot more that can be a real package for the NFL.

But again, he remains heavily unseen and unheard. Pat McAfee wonders why he is not getting the hype as much as he should. The draft pundits remain stuck on their stance, holding Howard as a potential day 2 guy, but keep the debate open-ended. Most foresees agreed on the fact that his stocks can improve depending on how he keeps turning the tides on and off the gridiron. As per the NFL Rookie Watch’s latest survey, ”Will Howard is reportedly thought to be ‘the most slept on’ QB in this year’s draft by one NFL scout. Howard’s speed is something that reportedly ‘intrigues scouts’ as he’s secretly been hitting speeds of 22 MPH while training.”

The former Wildcat’s journey from Kansas State to Ohio State has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride and only meant to chisel the best out of him. If you believe in pattern, you would better believe the NFL trajectory will go the same for the OSU kid. The unanimous sources scouts that Howard is already viewed as the QB4 in top-tier teams’ projected 2025 chart, while some hold onto him as an early first-round pick.

However, Howard gets to see the sudden rise in his stock even after he missed the Senior Bowl, triggering a lot of ifs and buts in his NFL future.

For ages, the Senior Bowl has been serving as the best NFL showcase platform for the budding guys and the teams. However, Will Howard retreated from his previous promise to take part in the event. After a stupendous national title run, the OSU QB1, the offensive MVP, decided to walk over the senior Bowl lure. It could have given him the ultimate shots to hone his skills last minute ahead of the huge pro run. However, even if you call it a whimsical move, Howard’s decision to bypass bowl was solely based on his intention to prioritize rest and proper individual training behind the curtain.

However, adding to the narrative, Chip Kelly’s departure might help Howard find his true NFL motive.

Chip Kelly’s post-OSU move can influence Will Howard’s NFL decision 

Will Howard’s high-flying success in 2024 can be owed to the new Ohio State OC Chip Kelly. Now, given the OC has made a move to the Las Vegas Raiders, it can significantly make an impact on Howard’s NFL decision. As it turns out, the Raiders are also in need of a quarterback as well.

Howard spent a fairytale year in Columbus and left the building looking to be a projected third to fourth-round selection in April’s draft. The Raiders have a chance to pick a quarterback in the top 10 of the draft, but that is not really a celebrated idea at all.

Kelly reverting to the NFL and teaming up with his old QB to develop behind a veteran sounds promising. However, with teams like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants holding the key for the top three picks might play a factor in the Raiders’ choice of the QBs. But if they manage to get Howard on the board, it will be a jackpot since the kid has become a complete quarterback under Kelly and can continue to expand the momentum in the bigger platform onwards.