As the NFL draft approaches, teams across the league are conducting thorough evaluations on top college prospects, and the Las Vegas Raiders are no exception. Recently, reports have surfaced that the Raiders have been keeping a close eye on Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, sparking speculation that they could be preparing to make a move for the young signal-caller. But what makes Howard such an intriguing prospect for the Raiders, and why are they seemingly so invested in his future?
Will Howard is a quarterback who has garnered a lot of attention during his time at Ohio State. Standing tall at 6'4" and boasting a powerful arm, Howard has all the physical tools that NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. But it's not just his size and strength that have scouts intrigued; Howard's development over his college career has been nothing short of impressive.
A dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground, Howard has proven himself to be a dynamic playmaker. He displays excellent poise in the pocket, a quick release, and the ability to read defenses. His mobility, combined with his strong arm, makes him a dangerous quarterback who can beat defenses in multiple ways.
However, like all prospects, Howard has areas to improve. His decision-making under pressure and consistency with his mechanics are areas that he will need to refine before taking the leap to the NFL. But with his impressive physical tools and high upside, many scouts believe he has the potential to develop into a star at the next level.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who have been in search of a long-term answer at quarterback, appear to see Will Howard as a potential solution to their signal-calling woes. After trading away Derek Carr, the team has been in a rebuilding phase at quarterback, giving them the opportunity to take a close look at the next generation of talent.
There are several reasons why Howard stands out as an attractive option for the Raiders:
-
Strong Physical Tools: As mentioned, Howard’s size, arm strength, and mobility check all the boxes that NFL teams look for in a quarterback. For the Raiders, who have been seeking a quarterback who can make all the throws and add an element of mobility to the offense, Howard fits the bill.
-
The Raiders' Offensive System: Under head coach Josh McDaniels, the Raiders have favored an offense that allows quarterbacks to read defenses quickly and get the ball out of their hands efficiently. Howard’s ability to process the game at a high level, combined with his arm strength and mobility, makes him a good fit for McDaniels’ offensive scheme. The ability to throw deep passes and extend plays with his legs could open up new possibilities for the Raiders’ offense.
-
A Potential Franchise Quarterback: The Raiders have been searching for a quarterback capable of leading them for the long term, and while veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is currently at the helm, the team may look to develop a young signal-caller for the future. Howard has the tools to be a potential franchise quarterback, and the Raiders may see him as someone who can eventually take over the reins.
-
The NFL’s Shift Toward Dual-Threat Quarterbacks: The modern NFL is moving more towards mobile quarterbacks who can make plays both in the air and on the ground. With quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen dominating the league, the Raiders may be looking to invest in a quarterback who can keep defenses guessing and create chaos with his legs. Howard, with his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move, fits into this trend perfectly.
If the Raiders decide to pursue Will Howard in the upcoming draft, they could be adding a highly versatile and talented player to their roster. Here’s what Howard would bring to the team:
-
Dual-Threat Ability: As a dual-threat quarterback, Howard offers a level of versatility that many teams covet. His ability to escape the pocket, extend plays, and pick up yardage with his legs adds another dimension to the offense. This could be a major asset for the Raiders as they look to create a more unpredictable attack.
-
Strong Leadership: Throughout his college career, Howard has demonstrated the leadership qualities that teams value in a quarterback. Whether it's leading his team to victory in tough games or keeping his composure under pressure, Howard has shown that he can be the kind of leader that the Raiders would need to guide them to success.
-
High Upside: While Howard is still developing as a quarterback, his high upside is undeniable. With the right coaching, he could reach his full potential and become one of the top quarterbacks in the league. The Raiders would be investing in a player who has the tools to succeed but still needs some refinement.
For the Raiders, adding a quarterback like Will Howard could be part of a larger strategy to reshape their offense for the future. While Jimmy Garoppolo provides stability at the position for now, the team may see Howard as a long-term investment who can develop into their franchise quarterback.
With the NFL draft approaching, it will be interesting to see if the Raiders decide to make a move for Howard. While they may still have other needs to address, adding a quarterback with his potential could give the team a huge boost moving forward. If the Raiders are truly committed to finding their next great quarterback, Will Howard could be the perfect choice.
The Las Vegas Raiders are clearly doing their due diligence on Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, and it's easy to see why. With his impressive physical tools, dual-threat ability, and potential for growth, Howard has the makings of a future NFL star. If the Raiders pull the trigger and select him in the upcoming draft, they could be adding the next face of their franchise — a quarterback who could lead them to success for years to come.
