College Football Fans Divided as Former Kansas State Quarterback Will Howard Makes His Highly Anticipated NFL Combine Debut, Sparking Heated Debates on Twitter Over His Performance and Draft Stock
Introduction: A Big Moment for Will Howard
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most critical events in a college football player’s journey to the professional level. Every year, hundreds of prospects gather in Indianapolis to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, scouts, and analysts. These performances can make or break a player’s draft stock, with even the smallest details—like a tenth of a second in the 40-yard dash or a minor mechanical flaw in a throwing drill—potentially shifting a player’s draft position.
For former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, this moment was about proving that he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. As a player who had an up-and-down college career but showed flashes of brilliance, Howard entered the Combine with a lot to gain—and a lot to prove.
His performance immediately sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. While some praised his arm strength, size, and leadership qualities, others questioned his accuracy and decision-making under pressure. As expected, Twitter exploded with reactions, with fans passionately debating whether Howard’s performance helped or hurt his draft stock.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down Howard’s Combine showing, the key takeaways from his drills, the fan and analyst reactions, and what it all means for his future in the NFL.
Will Howard’s Journey to the NFL Combine
High School and College Career
Will Howard was a three-star recruit coming out of Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania. He wasn’t the most highly touted quarterback prospect in his recruiting class, but Kansas State saw potential in him and brought him into their program in 2020.
His freshman season was a trial by fire, as he was thrust into the starting role earlier than expected due to injuries on the depth chart. While he had his struggles adjusting to the speed of the college game, he also showed glimpses of his natural talent and leadership ability.
Over the next few years, Howard developed into a solid college quarterback. In his final season with the Wildcats, he put up career-best numbers, leading Kansas State to key wins and earning All-Big 12 honors. Despite his success, he wasn’t widely considered a top-tier quarterback prospect heading into the draft, making his performance at the Combine all the more important.
Why the Combine Was Critical for Howard
Unlike surefire first-round quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, Howard entered the Combine as a mid-to-late-round prospect. He needed to prove to scouts that he had the raw tools and upside to justify an investment from an NFL team.
For quarterbacks like Howard, the Combine is a chance to:
• Showcase arm strength in deep-ball drills
• Demonstrate footwork and mechanics in passing drills
• Run a competitive 40-yard dash to display athleticism
• Perform well in team interviews to show football IQ and leadership
Given the depth of the 2024 quarterback class, Howard needed to capitalize on this opportunity.
Breaking Down Will Howard’s Combine Performance
1. The Measurables: How Did Howard Stack Up?
Before players even take the field for workouts, the Combine starts with official measurements. Here’s how Howard stacked up:
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Hand Size: 9.75 inches
• Wingspan: 78 inches
Howard’s physical build immediately stood out. At 6’4” and 235 pounds, he has the prototypical size that NFL teams look for in a quarterback. Compared to other quarterbacks in this class, he was one of the biggest and most physically imposing passers at the Combine.
2. The 40-Yard Dash: Testing Athleticism
While quarterbacks don’t necessarily need elite speed, a good 40-yard dash time can help separate prospects who are mobile enough to extend plays in today’s NFL.
• Howard’s 40-Yard Dash Time: 4.76 seconds
This was a solid time for a quarterback of his size. He’s not going to be mistaken for Lamar Jackson, but it showed that he has enough athleticism to move in the pocket and make plays on the run.
3. Throwing Drills: The Most Scrutinized Part of the Day
For quarterbacks, the real test at the Combine comes in the throwing drills. This is where scouts evaluate mechanics, accuracy, timing, and arm strength.
Strengths Displayed in Drills
• Deep Ball Strength: One of the biggest takeaways from Howard’s session was his ability to launch deep passes with ease. His deep throws traveled 50+ yards in the air and showed excellent velocity.
• Size and Pocket Presence: Standing tall in the pocket, Howard looked every bit like an NFL quarterback physically.
• Footwork Improvement: His footwork looked smoother than expected, indicating he’s been working on his mechanics.
Areas of Concern
• Accuracy Issues on Short and Intermediate Throws: Some of Howard’s throws sailed high, and a few slants and out routes were off target. This reaffirmed one of the biggest knocks against him—his ball placement is inconsistent.
• Decision-Making in Simulated Situations: While this is difficult to fully evaluate in a drill setting, scouts noted that Howard hesitated on some of his progressions, something he struggled with in college.
Twitter Reacts: The Fanbase Is Divided
As expected, Howard’s performance led to a wide range of opinions on social media. Some fans and analysts were impressed, while others remained skeptical.
Positive Reactions
• @CFBInsider: “Will Howard’s deep ball is legit. If he lands in the right system, he could be a steal in the later rounds.”
• @Big12FootballTalk: “Howard is built like an NFL quarterback. His size, arm strength, and leadership intangibles will make him an intriguing late-round pick.”
• @NFLDraftScout: “He’s raw, but there’s something there. If a team is patient with him, Howard could develop into a quality backup or low-end starter.”
Negative Reactions
• @DraftBustWatch: “His accuracy is all over the place. He’s going to have a hard time sticking in the NFL if he can’t hit simple throws consistently.”
• @KStateFan101: “Love what Will did for us at K-State, but I don’t see him being anything more than a practice squad guy in the NFL.”
• @NFLFilmRoom: “Some of these throws are tough to watch. His mechanics aren’t polished enough to compete with the top QB prospects.”
The divide in reactions highlights exactly where Howard stands—he has undeniable tools, but there are real questions about whether he can refine his game enough to make an impact at the next level.
Where Does Will Howard Go From Here?
Draft Stock Projection
After the Combine, Howard remains a mid-to-late-round prospect. He likely falls into the range of quarterbacks who will be selected anywhere from the 5th to 7th round or could go undrafted and sign as a priority free agent.
Potential NFL Fits
Some teams that could take a chance on Howard include:
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Looking for a developmental backup behind Kenny Pickett.
• San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan loves big quarterbacks with raw tools.
• New York Giants: Brian Daboll could see him as a long-term project.
• Indianapolis Colts: A backup role behind Anthony Richardson could be a good fit.
Pro Day and Private Workouts
Howard will have one more chance to improve his draft stock during his Pro Day. This event will allow him to throw in a more controlled environment and potentially correct some of the accuracy issues that showed up at the Combine.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress, But an NFL Future is Possible
Will Howard’s Combine performance didn’t necessarily silence his critics, but it did show glimpses of why an NFL team might take a chance on him. He has the physical tools, arm strength, and leadership ability that teams love. However, his accuracy and decision-making remain question marks.
As the draft approaches, Howard’s journey is far from over. Whether he hears his name called or signs as an undrafted free agent, his work ethic and development will ultimately determine his NFL future.
