Giants Considering Late-Round QB in Draft
The New York Giants are keeping their options wide open as they head into the NFL Draft, despite the recent addition of seasoned quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson to their roster. With the No. 3 overall pick in their grasp, the Giants find themselves in a position where they might have to pivot if Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are snatched up in the first two picks. Enter Ohio State’s Will Howard, who caught quite a few eyes after a stellar Pro Day that showcased his potential to shake things up on draft day.
During his Pro Day, Howard completed an impressive 65 of 67 passes, and it’s worth noting that the only two incompletions were due to dropped balls. This commanding performance was witnessed by six NFL head coaches, five general managers, and a staggering 141 NFL personnel, all contributing to the buzz around Howard’s rising draft stock.
Pro Football Focus suggests that Howard might fit well into the Giants’ plans as a late-round steal. Jordan Plocher of PFF mentions, “If Sanders is still available at No. 3, the Giants can secure their top priority. But should the top two picks be used on quarterbacks, New York might explore other high-caliber options and circle back for a quarterback like Howard later.”
Howard’s college stats paint a picture of a quarterback well-versed in high-pressure situations, boasting a draft-class-best 57.0% completion rate under pressure. His college journey saw him initially at Kansas State, where over 34 games, he amassed 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions with a completion rate of 58.8%. His transfer to Ohio State for his final season marked a significant leap, finishing with a national sixth place in passing yards (4,010), fourth in touchdowns (35), and a completion rate of 73.0%, just a tick behind Sanders.
More than stats, Howard’s leadership was instrumental in propelling Ohio State to a 10-2 record and a College Football Playoff journey, where he proved his mettle against the toughest defenses with 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 75.2% completion rate in a four-game stretch, ultimately culminating in a national championship win.
Howard’s deep-ball accuracy is another feather in his cap; he completed 27 out of 47 passes on throws over 20 yards, along with eight touchdowns and minimal interceptions. His 57.4% completion rate on these challenging throws ranked him highest nationally among quarterbacks with at least 15 deep-ball attempts.
Don’t let the tape fool you when it comes to Howard’s speed. With 1,147 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, he brings mobility that the Giants could effectively incorporate into their offensive schemes, particularly given their penchant for designed quarterback runs.
With veterans Winston and Wilson aboard, Howard wouldn’t be thrust into the spotlight immediately. The Giants have the luxury of letting him grow under the tutelage of experienced quarterbacks, including Tommy DeVito, who already has two years of experience with the Giants’ system.
With all that Howard brings to the table, he could very well be the hidden gem the Giants are searching for in their quest to fortify the quarterback position. Keep your eyes peeled as the draft unfolds—Howard’s story could just be beginning.
