Over the weekend, the NFL scouting combine witnessed a flurry of activity, with college athletes striving to impress ahead of the NFL Draft. Among those in the spotlight was Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, whose performance drew mixed reviews from scouts and analysts. While Howard’s session showcased his ability to connect with receivers, it was also marred by missed throws, particularly on deep balls. The inconsistency led to a barrage of criticism, but not everyone joined in the negative chorus.
In a surprising twist, Colorado’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders took to social media to defend Howard’s performance. Sanders, a fellow top quarterback prospect who chose to sit out the combine throws, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I don’t understand y’all hating on Will Howard he just won a natty. It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone runs routes differently!” His defense highlights a common challenge at the combine: quarterbacks must quickly establish rapport with new receivers, a hurdle that some argue is not indicative of a player’s true capability.
The Challenges of the NFL Scouting Combine
The NFL Combine is a critical platform for upcoming talents to showcase their skills, but it also presents unique challenges. Unlike Pro Days, where athletes can perform with familiar receivers, the combine settings can result in unfamiliarity and inconsistency. This was evident in Howard’s case, where the synergy with unfamiliar receivers wasn’t always on point, leading to the “inconsistent” tag from observers.
Despite the mixed reviews, Howard remained optimistic about his performance. Speaking to NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, he admitted, “I felt decent. I’m my own biggest critic, so I feel like there were some things I could clean up. But overall, I think I showed that I can spin the ball with the best. And I felt good about it. And I think my footwork was pretty solid. I’m excited for my Pro Day to show that I can spin it a little more.” This self-assessment suggests a blend of self-awareness and confidence, traits necessary for a quarterback facing the high pressures of professional play.
With his combine trials behind him, Howard is gearing up for Ohio State’s Pro Day on March 26. This event will offer him another chance to demonstrate his capabilities, this time in a more controlled environment with receivers he knows well. After a stellar senior season that saw him complete over 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, expectations are high. His performance helped the Buckeyes clinch the College Football Playoff national championship, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
As the NFL Draft approaches, Howard’s trajectory remains a subject of keen interest. Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected defense might have shifted some narratives, reminding analysts and fans alike of the complexities involved in combine evaluations. As prospects like Howard and Sanders move forward, their journeys underscore the blend of talent, timing, and circumstance that shapes a player’s path to the NFL.
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