The overreaction to Will Howard’s performance at the NFL Combine is a perfect example of why the evaluation process needs context.

The overreaction to Will Howard’s performance at the NFL Combine is a perfect example of why the evaluation process needs context.

Some people are acting like a couple of bad throws suddenly define his entire career, which is both unfair and short-sighted.

 

Howard’s track record at Kansas State speaks for itself. He was a multi-year starter who helped elevate the Wildcats’ program, guiding them to a Big 12 championship in 2022 and consistently proving himself as a leader. He threw for over 5,700 yards and 48 touchdowns in his college career while also adding value with his legs. His ability to execute under pressure, command an offense, and make big-time throws in critical moments can’t be erased just because he missed a few passes in a scripted workout.

 

The combine is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It’s a controlled environment with no defense, no game pressure, and no pads. A quarterback’s success isn’t determined by how perfect his mechanics look in shorts—it’s about how he performs when the lights are brightest. If the NFL solely drafted quarterbacks based on combine performances, we’d have a long list of busts who looked great in drills but couldn’t translate it to the field.

 

Howard has never been touted as a flawless prospect, but he’s a tough, experienced quarterback with legitimate upside. Evaluators should focus on his full body of work—his leadership, decision-making, and ability to deliver in big moments—not just a few off-target throws in a non-game setting. Overreactions to combine performances happen every year, and more often than not, they don’t reflect how a player will actually perform at the next level.