Will Howard is riding a wave of confidence heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard’s stock is climbing after transferring from Kansas State and leading Ohio State to a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance. Now the question is, where will he land?
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are a team in quarterback limbo. While they’ve brought in veteran Geno Smith and still have Aidan O’Connell on the roster, they haven’t found their long-term answer. The Raiders hosted Howard on a pre-draft visit, and his strong frame and game management skills mesh well with head coach Pete Carroll.
2. New York Jets
Drafting Howard in the middle rounds could give the Jets a developmental option with big-game experience.
His leadership at Ohio State, where he threw for 3,165 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024, would bring stability to the quarterback room.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts may already have Anthony Richardson as their presumed franchise quarterback, but depth is needed. Head coach Shane Steichen has shown he can work wonders with athletic quarterbacks, and Howard fits that mold. Though not as dynamic a runner as Richardson, Howard moves well enough to operate in an RPO-heavy scheme.
Adding Howard could also create a valuable camp competition. If Richardson takes a while to recover from injury, Howard could enter with a lower floor but respectable ceiling.
4. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a quarterback conundrum. Derek Carr is under contract, but he could miss time in 2025. They’re actively evaluating mid-round quarterbacks who can develop behind him. With his 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame and four years of college football under his belt, Howard checks many boxes.
His calm demeanor and experience leading both Kansas State and Ohio State would be a welcome addition in New Orleans. Learning behind Carr while competing with Jake Haener for the backup spot could set Howard up for a smooth transition.
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5. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are searching for a long-term plan behind Matthew Stafford. With injuries continuing to plague Stafford, Sean McVay needs a backup who can grasp the playbook quickly. According to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, Howard’s intelligence and work ethic stood out during interviews at the Combine.
McVay’s offense has traditionally favored smart, system-based quarterbacks. Howard’s quick decision-making and pocket presence could allow him to flourish under McVay’s tutelage.
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