Will Howard, the former Kansas State quarterback, has officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility. Howard's decision marks the next step in his football journey, prompting significant interest and analysis from NFL scouts and analysts alike as they evaluate his potential at the professional level.
Will Howard's College Career
Will Howard's college career at Kansas State was marked by both flashes of brilliance and periods of inconsistency, providing NFL scouts with a complex evaluation challenge. Beginning his career as a true freshman, Howard was thrust into action early due to injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. This early exposure provided valuable experience, but also highlighted the growing pains inherent in a young quarterback adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football. While showing promise with his arm talent and athleticism, Howard struggled with turnovers and decision-making, common issues for freshman quarterbacks.
Over the course of his four years with the Wildcats, Howard demonstrated resilience and growth, battling through injuries and competing for playing time. There were moments where he showcased the potential to be a high-level quarterback, such as his performance in the 2022 Big 12 Championship Game where he stepped in due to an injury to the starter and led Kansas State to victory. These performances highlighted his arm strength, ability to make throws under pressure, and leadership qualities. However, inconsistency remained a concern, as he would follow up strong outings with games where turnovers and inaccurate throws plagued his performance. This variability makes his NFL projection a fascinating and debated topic among draft analysts.
His final season at Kansas State was a mixed bag, displaying both the highs and lows that have defined his college career. While he demonstrated an improved understanding of the offense and a willingness to take what the defense gave him, the turnover issues resurfaced at times, leading to questions about his decision-making under duress. He possesses a strong arm and the capability to make all the throws required in the NFL, but refining his consistency and accuracy will be crucial for his success at the next level. NFL teams evaluating Howard will need to weigh his raw talent and potential against the need for further development and refinement.
Howard's statistical profile reflects the duality of his career. He accumulated a significant number of passing yards and touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead an offense and make plays. However, his interception numbers are also noteworthy, underscoring the need for improved decision-making and ball security at the professional level. Scrutinizing his completion percentage, yards per attempt, and touchdown-to-interception ratio provides a more nuanced picture of his performance and offers insights into areas where he excels and areas needing improvement. These statistics, combined with film study, will be vital in determining his draft stock and how NFL teams perceive his potential.
Ultimately, Will Howard's college career presents a compelling case study for NFL scouts. He has demonstrated the physical tools and flashes of brilliance necessary to succeed at the next level, but his inconsistency and turnover issues raise legitimate concerns. His development will be heavily reliant on finding the right coaching staff and system that can maximize his strengths while mitigating his weaknesses. The team that drafts Howard will be investing in a quarterback with considerable upside, but also one who will likely require time and patience to reach his full potential.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Evaluating Will Howard as an NFL prospect requires a thorough understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, both of which are readily apparent on film. His strengths lie primarily in his physical attributes and arm talent. Howard possesses a prototypical NFL quarterback frame, standing tall in the pocket with the size and build to withstand pressure. This physical presence is complemented by a strong arm, capable of making throws to all levels of the field. He can generate impressive velocity on his passes, allowing him to fit the ball into tight windows and challenge defenses vertically. His arm strength is particularly evident on deep throws and out routes, where he can drive the ball with accuracy and power. Additionally, Howard displays the ability to make off-platform throws, a valuable asset in the modern NFL where quarterbacks are increasingly required to throw on the move.
Beyond his arm talent, Howard is also a capable athlete, possessing the mobility to escape pressure and extend plays. While not a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes, he is mobile enough to pick up first downs with his legs and avoid sacks. This athleticism adds another dimension to his game and makes him a more challenging target for opposing defenses. Furthermore, Howard has demonstrated leadership qualities throughout his college career, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. He has shown the ability to command an offense and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, important traits for an NFL quarterback.
However, Howard's weaknesses are equally evident and raise legitimate concerns about his NFL readiness. The most significant issue is his inconsistency in accuracy and decision-making. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he also has a tendency to make errant throws and force the ball into coverage. This inconsistency is reflected in his career interception numbers, which are higher than ideal for an NFL prospect. His decision-making under pressure is another area of concern, as he sometimes makes poor choices when faced with a collapsing pocket or tight coverage. Improving his accuracy and decision-making will be crucial for his success at the next level.
Another area where Howard needs to improve is his footwork and mechanics. While his arm strength is undeniable, his throwing motion can be inconsistent, leading to inaccuracies. Refining his footwork and ensuring a consistent release point will help him improve his overall accuracy. Additionally, Howard needs to develop a better feel for the pocket and improve his ability to read defenses. Sometimes, he holds onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or fumbles. Learning to anticipate pressure and make quicker decisions will be essential for his development in the NFL. — Buffalo Bills 53-Man Roster: 2024 Season Breakdown
In summary, Will Howard is a prospect with a high ceiling due to his physical tools and arm talent, but his inconsistency and decision-making raise significant questions. The team that drafts him will need to be patient and provide him with the coaching and development necessary to refine his skills. If he can improve his accuracy, decision-making, and footwork, he has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, if these weaknesses persist, he may struggle to find consistent success at the professional level.
NFL Draft Projections and Potential Landing Spots
Predicting where Will Howard will be selected in the NFL Draft involves analyzing various factors, including his strengths, weaknesses, and the needs of individual teams. Currently, most draft analysts project Howard as a mid-to-late round pick, potentially in the third to fifth round range. This projection reflects the combination of his high upside and the concerns surrounding his consistency and decision-making. Teams looking for a developmental quarterback with the potential to become a starter may be willing to invest a mid-round pick in Howard, betting on their coaching staff's ability to refine his skills.
Several teams could be potential landing spots for Howard, depending on their quarterback situation and draft strategy. Teams with established starting quarterbacks but a need for a quality backup or future successor might view Howard as an attractive option. These teams can afford to be patient with his development, allowing him to learn behind a veteran before potentially taking over the starting role. Additionally, teams with uncertain quarterback situations or multiple draft picks may be willing to take a chance on Howard's upside. — 2025 NBA Finals: Predictions, Teams & What To Expect
One potential landing spot could be a team with an aging starting quarterback or a recent injury history at the position. Such teams might be looking for a young quarterback to groom as a potential replacement, providing Howard with an opportunity to learn and develop in a stable environment. Another possibility is a team with a strong coaching staff known for developing quarterbacks. These teams may believe they have the resources and expertise to unlock Howard's full potential.
Ultimately, Howard's draft stock will likely depend on his performance in pre-draft workouts, interviews, and the NFL Combine. A strong showing in these events could boost his stock, while struggles could cause him to fall in the draft. His ability to demonstrate improved accuracy, decision-making, and leadership skills will be crucial in convincing teams that he is worth the investment. Additionally, his interviews with teams will provide an opportunity to showcase his understanding of the game and his willingness to learn.
The NFL Draft is an inexact science, and predicting the exact landing spot for any player is challenging. However, Will Howard's combination of physical tools, arm talent, and potential makes him an intriguing prospect for many teams. Whether he becomes a starter or a quality backup will depend on his development and the opportunity he receives. The team that drafts him will be making a calculated gamble, hoping that his upside outweighs the risks associated with his inconsistency.
Impact on NFL Teams
The potential impact of Will Howard on an NFL team is a topic of considerable speculation among analysts and scouts. His strong arm and athletic ability provide a foundation for a potentially successful NFL career, but his inconsistency and decision-making raise concerns that must be addressed. The team that drafts Howard will be investing in a project, a quarterback with the raw tools to succeed but in need of significant development. The impact he ultimately has will depend on several factors, including the quality of coaching he receives, the system he plays in, and his own work ethic and dedication to improvement.
If Howard lands with a team that has a strong coaching staff and a well-established quarterback development program, his chances of success increase significantly. A coaching staff that can refine his mechanics, improve his decision-making, and tailor an offense to his strengths can help him reach his full potential. Additionally, being able to learn behind a veteran quarterback can provide Howard with valuable experience and allow him to develop at a more measured pace. In such a scenario, he could potentially emerge as a starting quarterback in the NFL, making a significant impact on his team's success. — Patriots Depth Chart: 2024 Roster And Predictions
However, if Howard is drafted by a team with a less stable environment or a weaker coaching staff, his development could be hindered. Being thrown into action too early or playing in a system that does not suit his strengths could exacerbate his weaknesses and limit his potential. In this scenario, he may struggle to find consistent success and could ultimately become a career backup or even fall out of the league.
Howard's impact will also depend on his own work ethic and willingness to learn. The NFL is a highly competitive environment, and quarterbacks must constantly work to improve their skills and understanding of the game. Howard will need to dedicate himself to film study, practice, and self-improvement if he hopes to overcome his weaknesses and maximize his potential. His ability to take coaching, learn from his mistakes, and adapt to the demands of the NFL will be crucial in determining his long-term success.
Ultimately, the impact Will Howard has on an NFL team is uncertain. He possesses the physical tools and arm talent to be a starting quarterback, but his inconsistency and decision-making raise concerns. The team that drafts him will be taking a gamble, hoping that his upside outweighs the risks. Whether that gamble pays off will depend on a combination of factors, including coaching, opportunity, and Howard's own dedication to improvement. His career trajectory will be a fascinating storyline to follow in the coming years.
FAQ About Will Howard
What are Will Howard’s greatest strengths as a quarterback prospect?
Will Howard's greatest strengths lie in his arm talent and physical attributes. He possesses a strong arm, capable of making throws to all levels of the field with impressive velocity. Additionally, his size and athleticism allow him to escape pressure and make plays outside the pocket, making him a dynamic threat.
What are the biggest weaknesses in Will Howard's game that he needs to improve?
Howard's primary weaknesses revolve around consistency and decision-making. His accuracy can be erratic at times, and he has a tendency to force throws into coverage, leading to turnovers. Improving his decision-making under pressure and overall consistency will be crucial for his NFL success.
Which NFL teams might be a good fit for Will Howard in the draft?
Several NFL teams could be a good fit for Howard, particularly those with established quarterbacks or strong coaching staffs known for developing talent. Teams needing a developmental quarterback who can sit and learn for a year or two might find Howard's potential intriguing.
How does Will Howard's draft stock compare to other quarterbacks in the 2024 class?
Will Howard is generally projected as a mid-to-late round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, placing him behind the top-tier quarterbacks in the class. His draft stock reflects his high upside but also the concerns about his consistency and decision-making, making him a developmental prospect.
What kind of offensive system would best suit Will Howard’s skill set in the NFL?
An offensive system that emphasizes play-action passing and allows Howard to utilize his arm strength would likely be the best fit. A team that incorporates his mobility and ability to make throws on the run could maximize his potential.
How much of an impact could Will Howard realistically have on an NFL team?
Will Howard's impact on an NFL team will depend heavily on his development and the situation he enters. If he lands in a supportive environment with good coaching, he could develop into a starting quarterback. However, he may be limited to a backup role if he doesn't improve his consistency.
What are some realistic expectations for Will Howard's NFL career trajectory?
Realistic expectations for Will Howard involve a developmental phase where he works on his consistency and decision-making. He likely needs time to refine his skills before becoming a starting quarterback. A successful career for Howard might involve becoming a quality starter after a few years of development.
What can Will Howard do during the pre-draft process to improve his draft stock?
During the pre-draft process, Howard can improve his draft stock by demonstrating improved accuracy and decision-making in workouts. Strong performances at the NFL Combine and in individual team workouts can significantly boost his stock, showcasing his potential to NFL coaches and scouts.
https://www.nfl.com/ https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/
