In a recent Reddit thread, user thalguy posed a question that’s stirring debate among college football fans: ‘Why is Will Howard not considered a good NFL prospect?’ Howard, who has showcased strong statistics during his time with Kansas State, appears to have some qualities that could translate to the next level, such as size, arm strength, and scrambling ability. Yet, despite these traits, many users believe he falls short of the elite status typically sought after in top draft picks. This article dives into the sentiments shared in the comments, exploring both the positive and negative perceptions of Howard’s skills, as well as the complexities of evaluating collegiate players for NFL readiness.
Summary
- Will Howard possesses impressive physical attributes, including NFL size and arm strength.
- Commenters are divided; some believe Howard has potential while others see him as only a ‘solid’ option.
- The evaluation of Howard often hinges on his collegiate performance versus the competition level faced.
- Discussions raise the issue of assessing readiness for the NFL and the challenges inherent in evaluating quarterback talent.
Physical Attributes: The Basis of Optimism
One of the main highlights in thalguy’s original post is Will Howard’s physical size and ability to throw the football effectively. Many commenters acknowledged that he has ‘NFL size’ and a ‘good arm.’ His stature and throwing ability are crucial selling points when scouts evaluate college quarterbacks. One user noted that Howard has successfully demonstrated ‘excellent accuracy’ during his last season, and that accuracy directly relates to successful NFL performance. His ability to scramble adds to the versatility required in today’s NFL, further boosting his appeal. Despite these positives, the lack of elite athleticism or arm talent has led to skepticism about his projection as a high draft pick.
The “Game Manager” Label: Boon or Bane?
Amid the back-and-forth discussions, a recurring theme emerges: Will Howard as a ‘game manager.’ One commenter succinctly stated, ‘He’s not elite at anything. He’s a good game manager.’ This classification can be a double-edged sword in the world of professional football. Game managers are often viewed as dependable players who can maintain game flow without making critical mistakes. However, the modern NFL increasingly calls for quarterbacks who can take risks and exceed basic expectations under pressure. This leads to the conundrum facing Howard; while he may excel at managing games, does that pigeonhole him when franchises are looking for dynamic playmakers? Despite a number of supporters who appreciate his leadership and locker room presence, many feel these attributes alone won’t earn him top-tier consideration.
Comparing College and NFL Competition: The Crucial Gap
Another insightful point raised in the comments revolved around the fact that assessing college prospects often overlooks vital competitive differences. User ncampbell3224 explained, ‘It’s hard to gauge if his improvement…was a product of genuine improvement, or simply playing on a team that was significantly better than pretty much everyone else they played.’ This sentiment captures a lingering issue throughout draft evaluations—how much of a player’s success can be attributed to the surrounding talent versus their own abilities? Thus far, Howard has enjoyed success at college level, particularly when surrounded by a roster that includes potentially multiple NFL receivers. However, will those skills translate against top-tier NFL defenses? The mere fact that NFL defenses will bring different challenges complicates the forecasting of his performance at the next level.
Evaluation Challenges: What Makes a Successful QB?
The complexities of quarterback evaluation in the NFL were expertly summarized by a commenter who analyzed why franchises often miss on prospects. ‘Ultimately what determines NFL success is a guys ability to read defenses at NFL speed,’ they mentioned. This highlights a significant obstacle; rookie quarterbacks must adapt to the increased speed and higher level of skill that NFL players bring. Will Howard’s background of playing against ‘simpler, slower defenses’ may not prepare him adequately for the jump in competition he would face. The ability to read defenses, adjust plays, and execute under pressure is pivotal for NFL quarterbacks. Therefore, while Howard may possess many commendable attributes, his success depends on translating those skills to a much faster-paced game.
Everyone has their opinions, and Will Howard is no exception in the heated arena of college football discussions. As fans and analysts alike try to gauge his potential, they wrestle with critical questions about his readiness for the NFL. The fear of being labeled as merely ‘average’ can haunt any college prospect, and Howard’s journey will be one to follow closely. As the debate continues regarding whether he can make the jump from being a productive college quarterback to an impactful NFL player, it’s essential to consider both his strengths and the areas that may need improvement. Will he be able to shake off the doubts and rise to the occasion, or will he find himself caught in the purgatory of mediocrity? Only time will tell.