INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard was the victim of social media criticism last weekend after a shaky performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Videos were shared across various platforms showing incompletions Howard threw to open receivers, though most clips didn't include the successful passes he made.
Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback likely to go early in the 2025 NFL Draft, came to Howard's defense.
"I don't understand y'all hating on (Howard)," Sanders posted on X. "He just won a natty. It's hard to throw to WR's that you don't know, everyone run routes different !"
Howard took part in quarterback drills at the Combine while also doing an assortments of workouts.
He recorded a vertical jump of 31.5 inches, which was tied for third among the four quarterbacks who participated. His broad jump (9-feet-4-inches) ranked fourth of four.
Howard did not participate in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split or bench press.
He'll get another chance to display his skills during Ohio State's Pro Day on March 26.
Howard is a projected third-round pick, according to a consensus of various mock drafts.
He spent one season at OSU after four years at Kansas State. Howard led the Buckeyes to a national title in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.