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Will Howard’s Combine: Shedeur Sanders Defends QB

Will Howard, Shedeur Sanders, NFL Draft, NFL Combine, Ohio State, Kansas State, Quarterback, Football, Draft Analysis, Daniel Jeremiah, College Football, Sports, Fox News, Draft Prospects, Scouting Combine Performance, National Championship

Shedeur Sanders Defends Will Howard After Combine Inaccuracy Criticisms

Will Howard, the former Ohio State quarterback and NFL prospect, found an unlikely ally in Shedeur Sanders after facing criticism for his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. While Howard showcased his arm strength during the drills, his accuracy came under scrutiny, sparking a wave of negative commentary on social media. Some observers went as far as labeling it one of the worst quarterback performances in combine history.

The annual NFL Scouting Combine offers a crucial platform for draft prospects to showcase their abilities in front of coaches, scouts, and general managers. Players undergo a series of physical and mental evaluations, including on-field drills designed to assess their athleticism, arm talent, and decision-making. The pressure is immense, as a strong showing can significantly boost a player’s draft stock, while a subpar performance can raise doubts and lead to a slide down the draft board.

Howard entered the combine with high expectations, fueled by his impressive collegiate career, particularly his final season at Ohio State, where he led the team to a national championship. He possessed a reputation for a powerful arm and leadership qualities, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking quarterback depth or a potential future starter.

However, Howard’s throwing session at the combine didn’t quite live up to the hype. While he demonstrated his ability to launch the ball downfield, his accuracy was inconsistent, with several passes sailing high or wide of their intended targets. The performance quickly became fodder for social media critics, who pounced on the perceived flaws in his mechanics and decision-making.

Despite the negative reaction, some analysts offered a more nuanced assessment of Howard’s combine performance. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, for instance, took a more measured approach, suggesting that Howard had a "solid" combine despite some of his passes appearing "flat." He also noted that Howard looked comfortable taking snaps from under center, a skill that is increasingly valued in the modern NFL.

Perhaps the most vocal support for Howard came from Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback prospect from Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Expected to be a top pick in the upcoming draft, Sanders took to social media to defend Howard against the online criticism.

"I don’t understand y’all hating on @whoward_ he just won a natty," Sanders wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone run routes different!"

Sanders’s defense of Howard highlights an important aspect of the combine that is often overlooked. While quarterbacks are evaluated on their ability to throw accurate passes, they are doing so in an unfamiliar environment, throwing to receivers they have never worked with before. The lack of familiarity and timing can undoubtedly affect a quarterback’s performance, making it difficult to fully assess their true potential.

The chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers is a crucial element of a successful passing game. Quarterbacks often develop a deep understanding of their receivers’ tendencies, routes, and body language, allowing them to anticipate throws and make split-second decisions. This rapport is built over time through countless practices and game repetitions. At the combine, quarterbacks are deprived of this crucial element, making it inherently challenging to showcase their full range of abilities.

Sanders’s point underscores the importance of considering the context of the combine when evaluating quarterback performances. While accuracy is certainly a critical trait, it is not the only factor that determines a quarterback’s success. Other attributes, such as arm strength, decision-making, leadership, and adaptability, are equally important.

Despite the criticisms leveled against Howard, his draft stock remains relatively stable. Some analysts project him as a Day 2 or Day 3 pick, suggesting that NFL teams are willing to overlook his combine struggles and focus on his overall potential. His impressive collegiate career, particularly his national championship-winning season at Ohio State, has undoubtedly bolstered his reputation and instilled confidence in his ability to succeed at the next level.

Howard’s journey to the NFL has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He began his collegiate career at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State for his final season. His ability to adjust to new environments and learn new offensive systems speaks to his intelligence and work ethic, qualities that are highly valued by NFL teams.

During his lone season at Ohio State, Howard threw for 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead a high-powered offense. He also demonstrated his athleticism at the combine, recording a 31.5-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-4-inch broad jump, a 7.13-second cone drill, and a 4.33-second 20-yard shuttle. These measurements suggest that Howard possesses the physical tools necessary to compete at the NFL level.

Ultimately, Howard’s success in the NFL will depend on his ability to refine his accuracy, develop chemistry with his receivers, and adapt to the speed and complexity of the professional game. While his combine performance may have raised some concerns, his talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities suggest that he has the potential to become a valuable asset to an NFL team. The support from someone like Shedeur Sanders, who understands the pressures of being a highly touted quarterback prospect, can only serve to boost Howard’s confidence as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career. Only time will tell if Howard can prove his doubters wrong and emerge as a successful NFL quarterback.

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