Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Ohio State QB Will Howard lands out west along with another Buckeye

We are less than two months until the NFL draft begins and those three days we will see a ton of former Ohio State Buckeyes embark on their professional careers.

Ohio State has a chance to challenge the most players drafted in a season, which is 15 by Georgia back in 2022. Ohio State had 15 players invited to the NFL scouting combine and should have around that number drafted.

In a recent three-round 2025 NFL mock draft here at A to Z Sports, a pair of Buckeyes team up at the next level. 

Ohio State OT Josh Simmons and QB Will Howard head out west

Our recent mock has the San Francisco 49ers taking Ohio State LT Josh Simmons at No. 11 overall and then they find QB Will Howard in the third round at No. 99 overall. The two selections give the 49ers the means of filling two needs.

“Staying strong in the trenches is key for San Francisco to rebound from a tough 2024 season. Josh Simmons would be viewed as the consensus OT1 in the class if he hadn't torn his ACL mid-season. He can play right tackle in 2025 before taking over for Trent Williams once the king retires.” -- Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports

“Adding a more dynamic option like Jalen Milroe would've been ideal, but Will Howard is a winner who can win if he has to step in for Brock Purdy. The 49ers have to take the backup QB spot more seriously than rostering Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen.” — Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports

As Ian mentioned, Simmons probably isn’t on the board at No. 11 if it were not for the torn ACL. The 49ers get great value with the pick and land a franchise tackle. Having Trent Williams on one side and Simmons on the other is good news for Brock Purdy.

I have zero doubt in my mind that Howard has the ceiling to be a starter in the NFL. However, no matter where he is drafted he is not going to begin his career that way. In this scenario, Howard is the backup quarterback behind Brock Purdy and will need to be ready to step in. Howard learning in the Kyle Shanahan system could be great for him and it is very quarterback-friendly, which also helps.

Howard is a winner that brings prototypical size, good football IQ, and toughness. The Kansas State transfer cleared 40 total touchdowns and 4,000 passing yards in Columbus. 

With the number of Buckeyes expected to be drafted in April, there are bound to be teams that select more than one. Howard landing with another Buckeye at his next stop could prove to be a benefit for his acclimation to being a pro.