Will Howard’s NFL Hopes Hang in the Balance After Disastrous Combine Performance
Will Howard’s journey to the NFL has taken an unexpected detour after a disastrous showing at the Combine. Once hailed as the leader who propelled the Ohio State Buckeyes to the playoffs, Howard now finds himself in an uphill battle to restore his draft stock. His struggles at the Combine were magnified when a viral clip on social media showed him repeatedly missing open receivers, leading to widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike. Many have gone as far as calling it one of the worst quarterback performances in Combine history.
During on-field drills, Howard posted a 31.5-inch vertical jump and a 9’4” broad jump, numbers that, while not terrible, did little to overshadow his poor passing display. His struggles were captured in a 46-second clip, which quickly spread across social media, turning his Combine performance into a major talking point.
Kurt Warner knows ball
“Will Howard will have a chance to throw to his guys at his pro day..
Who knows Will Howard better than Chip Kelly in Las Vegas” ~ @MoveTheSticks #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/0m03kTLjYo
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 7, 2025
However, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes all hope is not lost. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, he acknowledged that Howard’s throwing at the Combine was far from impressive but pointed out the challenging nature of the event. He emphasized that quarterbacks often throw to unfamiliar receivers in a high-pressure environment, making it difficult to showcase their full potential. Jeremiah suggested that Howard still has a golden opportunity to redeem himself at Ohio State’s Pro Day, where he will be throwing to receivers he knows well.
A Second Chance at Redemption
Jeremiah also speculated that Howard could still find a landing spot in the 2025 NFL Draft class, potentially alongside Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough. He even floated the possibility of Howard being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, but only if they decide against signing a veteran quarterback. The Raiders have been linked to Aaron Rodgers, but they could also opt for a younger prospect as a developmental option.
Adding to Howard’s case, NFL legend Kurt Warner weighed in on The Pat McAfee Show, showing support for the Ohio State quarterback. Warner acknowledged Howard’s struggles but emphasized that his Pro Day performance will be crucial in changing the narrative. Warner also pointed out Howard’s strong connection with Chip Kelly, who has taken over as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator. The former UCLA coach has even given Howard the nickname “one-legged Willy”, highlighting his admiration for the quarterback. However, that support could fade if Howard fails to deliver on Pro Day.
The Clock is Ticking
With so much on the line, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport didn’t sugarcoat the reality facing Howard. According to Davenport, Howard’s Pro Day has now become a make-or-break moment. If he wants to be considered among the top quarterbacks in the draft, he must prove that Ohio State’s success wasn’t just about the system—but that he was a key factor in their championship run.
As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Howard’s Pro Day performance. Will he rise to the occasion and silence his critics, or has his NFL dream already slipped away? The next chapter of his football journey is about to be written, and the pressure has never been higher.