Jon Gruden Shares Unexpected Comment About Will Howard Before NFL Draft

Find someone who believes in you the way Jon Gruden, former NFL head coach and current Barstool Sports personality, believes in Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Following a national championship win with the Buckeyes, Howard is preparing to enter the NFL draft later this month. Although projections place him anywhere between the third and sixth rounds, Gruden is firm in his belief that Howard has the potential to be the top quarterback in this draft class.

During a recent interview with Gruden, similar to the interviews Gruden once conducted at ESPN, the former Kansas State transfer discussed his career. Gruden, who has been impressed by Howard’s 6-foot-4, 236-pound frame, compared him to Buffalo Bills quarterback and reigning MVP Josh Allen. “You’re a big, dual-threat quarterback, aren’t you?” Gruden asked Howard. “That’s the MVP of the league. He’s a real big dual-threat.”

While Allen’s path to the NFL, being drafted seventh overall in 2018 after playing at Wyoming, differs from Howard’s—who spent most of his college career at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State for his final season—Gruden sees striking similarities. “How the hell do people not like you as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft?” Gruden said. “You’re like a young Josh Allen.”

Howard was a key player in Ohio State’s championship run, guiding the team to four consecutive victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. This impressive streak helped the Buckeyes win their first title since 2014 and claim the first national championship in the 12-team playoff era.

Although Howard’s physical attributes closely mirror Allen’s when he entered the NFL, their arm strength and overall passing skills differ. These factors will be crucial in evaluating the two quarterbacks. Nonetheless, several teams, particularly those picking in rounds two or three, will likely be eager to add Howard to their roster.