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Will Howard Makes Bold Claim Two Weeks Before NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 2:12 PM ET

The first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft will be announced on April 24, two weeks from now. With that date drawing nearer, this year's prospects can only wait to hear their names called, with the combine, pro day, workouts, and team interviews having already occurred.

However, even though teams likely have already graded him as a player, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard continues to show his desire to prove himself and discussed his mindset heading into the biggest night of his life.

"I believe I'm the best quarterback in this class," Howard boldly told ESPN's Elizabeth Merrill. "I think there's unbelievable talent. But if you're going to be a competitor, at the end of the day, you have to have that belief in yourself, and I think that's what helps me get through those adverse times."

Howard's "adverse times" stem from the 23-year-old's combine performance, which was roundly criticized in the media. A viral video of several poor throws was spreading around online, and NFL fans were roasting him.

At the Buckeyes' pro day, he responded to the criticisms.

“The combine, obviously, there were some things said about it afterwards, but I thought I did pretty well,” Howard said. “I think, really, it was team up North's fans blowing it out of proportion. I missed two throws obviously, but other guys did, too.

“It's definitely better being here in this building with my guys. You're more comfortable, but you always want to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. I wasn't mad about it. I thought I did well at the combine and I got good feedback from people except pretty much the media. It is what it is, it's part of it.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day remains in Howard's corner and has sung his praises to ESPN.

"The minute you meet (Howard)," Day said, "you just recognize that one, he's got an infectious personality. I mean, he can lead people, and that was important. Then we started talking football. He's bright. He could recall plays; he could verbalize what he had done in games. It was like talking to an NFL player. By the time I got done with that conversation, that won me over more than anything."

In Luke Easterling's latest NFL mock draft, Howard isn't projected anywhere in the first four rounds with six quarterbacks taken in the first 138 picks.

Howard is ranked No. 9 in Easterling's quarterback rankings for this draft class.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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