This year’s quarterback draft class is nothing to get overly excited about. While players like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders stand out as the top prospects in their group, the overall list doesn’t measure up to the depth and appeal of past classes.
However, one QB has quickly climbed the rankings thanks to an impressive postseason performance. National champion Ohio State Buckeyes signal-caller Will Howard has dramatically boosted his draft stock in recent weeks.
Will Howard Rising Up NFL Draft Rankings Following National Championship
Howard shone on the biggest stage in college football and delivered when it mattered most. Over a four-game playoff stretch, Howard threw eight touchdowns to only two interceptions and even completed 80% of his passes in two contests.
While his performance certainly bolstered his stock, the real question is: how high has he risen?
Before the College Football Playoff, Howard was widely considered a Day 3 pick, rarely mocked earlier than the fourth round. Since then, he has climbed significantly, with his name now being mentioned in first-round conversations.
So, why was Howard initially projected so low?
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah shared his perspective during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show:
“I’m excited to get a chance to go through all of the All-22 stuff and these playoff games because he played great. I’m excited to, you know, get a chance to dig in on that.
“The first Oregon game, he made some nice throws, you know, he had a couple that got away from him down the field. On the whole, I thought he played well. But then at the end of the game, you know how it ends — he takes off, kind of a little bit of a brain cramp, slides, and it goes zeroes, and they lose the game.
“Next game I watched was Penn State. Again, there’s a lot of good to take from that, in terms of throwing off balance, up and down throws over linebackers and under safeties, but the first play of the game, he predetermines, pick-six. He’s running into the end zone, fumbles out of the back of the end zone.”
Jeremiah also highlighted Howard’s physical tools and recent improvements:
“So the size, he’s 6’3″ and seven inches, so he’s just under at 6’4″, 240 pounds. as you mentioned. He can move around, he can make all the different throws, and he got on an epic heater at the most important time. I’m excited to dig into those. Pat, he’s right on the borderline of a top-50 pick for me at this point in time. But I’m telling you that because I haven’t had a chance to watch his playoff.”
KEEP READING: Where Does Howard Land in Our 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings?
When Pat McAfee suggested Howard might still be a fourth-round pick, Jeremiah quickly countered:
“He’s much higher than that. He’s a Day 2 guy for me as we sit right now, and we’ll see going through the rest of the process.”
Howard’s rise up the big board is a testament to the power of postseason performances. While there’s still work to be done in the pre-draft process, one thing is certain: Howard has put himself firmly on the radar as a prospect to watch.
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