Will Howard Draft Watch

Howard played in the Big 12 Championship in 2023 for Kansas State and then in the National Championship in 2024 for Ohio State.

It has to say something about his Football I'Q to go learn and entire new system, with new players in one year, and still be the best. His skill set just took off in the College Playoffs last year.

 

I have seen Howard make some really good throws, plays that are memorable and impressive. Everyone has their own journey in college and he has faced adversity, worked hard, and won games both at Kansas and Ohio State. He has shown a lot.

My point was imagine if he came from Montana or Wyoming or Colorado State, with out those players, with out the best rushing attack in college football at Ohio State, without the receivers, without the championship, would we be entertaining the idea of him as 1st round pick? I would say no. If he played at .500 team like a Wyoming or Colorade State, what would his draft stock be? Round 1? Would it even be Round 3 or 4?

 

how many former picks did it at those schools? he earned being at the school he was at. ohio state didn't go get the kid from wyoming either. so yes he has earned that spot.

 

I don't find it surprising when it comes to talking about how teams value prospects. They don't know. They are not associated with teams so they don't have access. Those that have access don't talk if they want to keep that access.
Media is about content and keeping chatter going and keeping interest. The more people listening/watching/clicking, the more you can sell advertising for. That's a business too. Huge business.

 

The first thing an NFL defense will do to neutralize Howard (especially if he's with Tomlin) will be to run a Cover 2 or 4. He's not as comfortable throwing to the middle of the field on film and lacks zip when firing it outside the numbers and through tight windows, especially at the second and third levels. He also seems to struggle with deciphering which looks a defense is giving him at times, throwing himself into traps.

Eight fumbles last year to go along with 10 INTs will stick out to those seeing him as more strong game manager than dynamic playmaker . Anyone willing to question Dart's ability to make it at the next level for being a system QB needs to take a hard look at Howard. He's easy to like, but honestly I like Shough's stronger arm and success with play-action schemes more for Smith's system.

 

Reminds me of Mac Jones. I’ll pass.

 

I could see Will Howard coming off the board tonight. I know the mock draft sites have him sticking around into the 3rd.

 

Personally I do not. For me, he's a 4th round guy... maybe late 3rd.

But if he does, good for him. He seems like a good guy.

 

Tonight is a he night for Howard. Will he be a Steeler?

I honestly think he could go anywhere from pretty early in round 2 until late 3rd. Just depends on who ends up liking him. It wouldn’t surprise me if it is us who likes him. The Raiders are candidates too. Geno Smith was just acquired, but he’ll be 35 soon and a developmental guy for the future to learn from the college OC that unlocked some extra potential in him might be attractive.

Seems like a great fit in an RPO centric outside zone running scheme with a lot of play action and under center game to it… Chip Kelly’s approach isn’t incredibly dissimilar to Arthur Smith, and I could see Howard thriving in his offense.

 

Welcome to the Steelers, Will Howard.

 

i think he will be a good fit for this offense. up to arth to work with him now.

 

Cool thread to see through to completion. Started before the college season and ends with him a Steeler during the draft. Cool stuff @Born2Steel

 

Developmental QB, lets see if the Steelers can develop him? Welcome aboard

 

Ben was drafted in 2004. He was with Tomlin since 2006 until he retired. I think he developed pretty well.

Justin Fields did more and showed more in his 6 starts under Tomlin than he did in his 2 seasons starting for the Bears. That shows QB development.

I have confidence in our coaches in this regard.