Everybody loves an underdog story. It’s, in many ways, the foundational pillar that keeps sports fandom ticking and gives it a pulse. One such story may have been overshadowed by the sheer magnitude and pageantry around the vessel that facilitated its comeuppance. Ohio State’s Natty triumph is no underdog story. This is a blueblood that assimilated a group of Avengers and broke a decade-long drought. However, their quarterback, Will Howard, was no superhero. Mind you, he wasn’t a civilian either. But that’s a guy who carried a chip on his shoulder through their run to the Natty, and he’s carrying it over as he ascends a rung on the ladder towards the NFL. The sheen of that trophy hasn’t blinded Howard- he realizes where he stands pre-draft, as well as what awaits him in its aftermath. 

There’s been some lazy analysis muddying discourse around Will Howard. Conceded, he had the best receiving corps. in the country at his disposal. But to transfer over from Kansas State, knowing full well the expectations on the other end of the bargain, and deliver on them speaks volumes. Both a testament to his character and quality. Of all the wrinkles and byproducts of the Buckeyes’ domination in the CFP, Howard was an understated storyline. At least outside of Columbus. He elevated his game to meet the occasion, airing that pigskin at an unprecedented clip. His very last throw in scarlet and gray, a deep shot to Jeremiah Smith, was a microcosm of how far he’d come by the end of his collegiate career. But NFL front offices are a difficult faction to please, and his success hasn’t quite permeated over to them in its totality. 

The potency of his support cast is possibly clouding judgment around Will Howard’s individual quality. Even before he came to Ohio State, he was a solid QB. Why else would HC Ryan Day let go of a more than serviceable Kyle McCord and replace him with Howard? Yes, his transition wasn’t seamless, and there were hiccups in the early part of the season. But keep in mind, this was a signal caller learning a whole new offense. He’s athletic, has the physical measurables, is a leader, and, most importantly, is a proven winner. However, Will Howard is- perhaps rightfully- viewed as a bus rider rather than a bus driver. A trailer, not a truck. Somebody who can’t be a force multiplier from the backfield and accentuate everybody else on his offense. 

Owing to this, Howard is being projected as a Day 3 pick in the draft. Day 2 if the stars align in his favor. But he’s using this skepticism as fuel to drive forward. His own sentiments, not mine. Will Howard made an appearance on NFL Films’ Hey Rookie series, where prospects such as him are put through the grinder. In a teaser posted on the NFL IG handle, there’s a clip of him being questioned in a boardroom setting around a straightforward premise: “What makes you feel like we should draft you? Why Will Howard?” His reply gave insight into how he’s approaching this cynicism around his translation from CFB to the pros.

“I feel like my whole career, I’ve been overlooked,” said Howard. He spoke about how he didn’t receive scholarship offers from Penn State, which was his ideal school as a Pennsylvania native, alongside others that he chased. Will Howard proceeded to say, “I was trying for years. [When] I went to Kansas State, I said, ‘I want to prove those people wrong. I hope Penn State looks back and says, Damn, we’ve missed out Will Howard’ When I get to the NFL, I don’t want you guys to miss out on me,” Howard then channeled his inner Josh Rosen.

“Every single team that picks a quarterback in front of me, I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that they regret not picking me,” he resounded. This might sound a little cliché, but it carries weight nonetheless. Howard’s been on a bit of a PR tour recently, seeking to resonate with the masses. It’s actually working too. His chat with Jon Gruden on the Super Bowl-winning coach’s QB Class series showed people he knows his Xs and Os just as well as anybody. It also showed that he’s a quick processor of schematics and information in general, which makes sense. After all, this is somebody who worked an NFL-style offense last year under Chip Kelly. Another instance of this PR tour saw Howard make a similar sales pitch to the one on Hey Rookie.

Will Howard proactively looking to raise his draft stock and overall perception

During an appearance on NFL on ESPN last week, Will Howard was confronted about his claim that he’s the best quarterback in this entire draft class. He didn’t budge in his stance, and stood ten toes down. Howard said, “First and foremost, man, if you don’t have that belief in yourself, then what are you doing? I’m a confident guy. I feel like you have to have that intrinsic confidence in yourself.” He proceeded to elaborate on why he’s the standout QB relative to his contemporaries. 

“I believe that I have the arm strength, I believe I have the accuracy—all the physical traits. But I think what really sets me apart is my mind. My ability to deal with adversity,” said Will Howard. Listen, he’s the only QB in the class who can claim to have won a national championship. He’s earned the right to talk his you know what. You may or may not concur, but that’s secondary. There’s even reason to believe this is damage control after his poor showing at the Combine hurt his draft stock.

There are some very interesting possibilities brewing for Will Howard in terms of a landing spot. There were links to the Saints, but they now seem to be pivoting towards a different quarterback after reports around Derek Carr being out for the season with a shoulder injury. That’s a concern, because the Saints- with Kellen Moore now at the helm- would really be a great fit. There’s been buzz around the Raiders as well, with his OSU offensive coordinator Chip Kelly now in Vegas. Howard will just hope he gets an opportunity to prove his worth wherever he lands. Someone who can reciprocate the confidence he has in his own abilities.