Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s Will Howard Draws Intriguing NFL Comparison, Lands in Surprising Draft Spot
The Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing to send a wave of talent from their 2024 national championship squad to the NFL, and among those making the leap is quarterback Will Howard. After transferring from Kansas State for his final collegiate season, Howard silenced doubts about his ability to lead a powerhouse program, steering the Buckeyes to a title and cementing his place in the 2025 NFL Draft conversation.
Despite his success, Howard isn’t generating the same buzz as some of the other quarterbacks in this draft class. He’s largely expected to come off the board somewhere in the third or fourth round, making him a potential steal for a team looking for a developmental prospect at the position.
One person who sees significant potential in Howard is former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert. Benkert recently made an interesting player comparison, likening Howard to Joe Flacco—but with added athleticism. That assessment suggests Howard has the arm talent and size to thrive at the next level, but also brings a mobility factor that could give him an edge over the former Super Bowl MVP.
Now, a new mock draft projection has Howard landing in a somewhat unexpected spot. Ben Rolfe of Pro Football Network recently released a seven-round mock draft, and in his projection, Howard is selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 131 overall pick in the fourth round.
If this scenario plays out, Howard would enter a quarterback room led by veteran Derek Carr, who turns 34 during the 2025 season and is under contract for two more years. Howard would also be competing with Spencer Rattler, whom the Saints drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 draft at No. 150 overall. With Carr’s future in New Orleans uncertain beyond his current deal, Howard could find himself in a prime position to develop and eventually compete for the starting role.
For a player who just proved he could handle the pressure of leading a top-tier college program to a championship, stepping into a learning role behind Carr might be an ideal next step. If Howard can continue his progression at the NFL level, the Saints may have found themselves a potential successor at quarterback without using a premium draft pick.
