Overview

Position: QB

College: Ohio State

Class: Senior

Age: 23

 

Measurables

Height: 6’4 1/4″

Weight: 236 lbs.

Arm length: 32”

Hand size: 9”

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: 31.5”

Broad jump: 112.0”

Bench press: N/A

3-cone drill: 7.13 sec.

Short shuttle: 4.33 sec.

 

Strengths

Outstanding frame and build. Impressive overall on-field command. Excellent accuracy getting the ball out underneath. Great accuracy on throws into the flat. Good accuracy on slants and short in-breaking routes. Accurate on drag/over routes across the field and reads out coverage. Good accuracy and timing on crossing routes as targets get near the sideline. Very good zip throwing outside the numbers. Plus accuracy to lead targets on out-breaking routes towards the sideline. Shows pinpoint accuracy on deeper intermediate throws down the sideline. Rips throws towards the sideline before the safety can get over. Able to throw accurately over zone coverage towards the sideline. Will throw the ball up and give his receivers a chance to make plays down the field. Ideal arc on the deep ball when he throws it accurately. Does a nice job recognizing vertical shots from the slot. Quick to recognize open running backs and will get them the ball. Very good accuracy and touch rolling to his right. Impressive touch and timing on end zone fades. Quick release. Quality playmaking instincts and athleticism. Great natural accuracy and touch throwing off platform. Tremendous natural touch and an ability to lead targets while fading away. Will stand in to make throws with pressure bearing down. Slides up in the pocket and keeps two hands on the ball. Very good mobility for his size. Will pick up yardage on his own when things are covered. Big and athletic on designed runs. Used on zone reads. Good speed when he gets rolling. Doesn’t shy away from contact as a runner. Has some elusiveness for a bigger guy. Evaded superstar pass rusher Abdul Carter while scrambling left and completed a pass downfield (2024). Deep ball became more consistent as the season progressed. Encouraging progression in general as a passer in lone season at Ohio State.

 

Weaknesses

Needs to be better recognizing underneath defenders in coverage. Inconsistent field vision between the numbers. Doesn’t do a great job recognizing robber coverage. Predetermines too many throws. Needs to avoid making throws with coverage shaded underneath the intended target. Makes too many risky throws in tight coverage on the outside. Had some throws towards the sideline get away from him high. Would like to see more throws made with anticipation rather than wanting to see it first. Needs to do a better job hitting spot routes. Could be better finding second-level crossing routes when not the primary read. Lacks downfield consistency. Will sometimes load up and be late. Inconsistent leading receivers in stride on the deep ball. Seems to leave some deeper throws between the numbers a bit short. Ball placement between the numbers is too often on the back shoulder. Had some shaky ball placement in general bailed out by excellent Ohio State wide receivers. Seems to aim some throws. Could be better sensing pressure. Struggled early and had a pick-six versus an aggressive Penn State defense that was all over underneath routes (2024). Average acceleration before he gets going. More of a power runner that probably won’t have the same kind of success versus NFL speed.

 

NFL comparison

Blake Bortles

 

Conclusion

Overall, Howard is a well-rounded quarterback with ideal size, natural accuracy and touch, and encouraging strides made as a passer. Some weaknesses are more concerning than others, but Howard can be a solid NFL starter in the right situation.

 

Big Board ranking: #94 | Positional ranking: #6