The trajectory of Will Howard’s future may have just taken a massive turn after transferring to Ohio State from Kansas State last year. Howard helped cap off one of the best seasons in Buckeyes history in 2024, leading the program to their ninth national title and first since 2014. The former Wildcat could have also greatly improved his 2025 NFL Draft stock.
Howard is coming off a career-best season. After just barely surpassing 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing 61.3% of his passes in 2023, Howard far exceeded those numbers in 2024, throwing for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and completing 73% of his passes.
This success was all under Buckeyes’ first-year offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who surprisingly left UCLA’s head coaching position to join Ohio State. Given this connection, Howard may now have a better idea of his potential NFL landing spot.
Kelly was announced as the new offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, joining new head coach Pete Carroll. The Raiders are in need of a rebuild, and quarterback is a key piece of that plan.
Currently, the Raiders have eight total draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, starting with the No. 6 overall pick. This positions them to potentially draft a quarterback, but they’re not guaranteed to do so, especially with teams like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants holding the top three picks, all of which are in need of a quarterback.
Should the Raiders miss out on another first-round signal caller, they could turn to Howard in the later rounds, potentially in the third round, as mentioned by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
“The Raiders have two 3rd round picks. Which one will they use to draft Will Howard?” Brugler asked on X.
Bleacher Report’s scouting department also agrees with this projection.
“Overall, Will Howard has the tools and abilities teams look for in a developmental prospect. He offers an NFL skill set but projects as a backup. Howard’s flashes of passing upside, along with his rushing ability, will be enticing to an NFL franchise later in the draft,” per Bleacher Report.
The Raiders have eight overall picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, with two third-round selections: their own at No. 68 overall and No. 73, which they acquired from a midseason trade with the New York Jets for Davante Adams.
Kelly’s influence on the Raiders’ draft strategy will certainly be something to watch after his hiring.