The road to the NFL is paved with grit, talent, and ambition, and this year, three names stand out: Will Howard, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter. Each embodies a distinct narrative—a quarterback seeking redemption, a two-way phenom defying norms, and a defensive powerhouse refining his edge. As the NFL Draft kicks off, their combine performances and personal journeys will shape their futures. Let’s explore their paths, potential, and the pivotal moments ahead.
But before that, here is a display of their strengths and selling points that lead to them being picked for the NFL draft,
| Feature | Will Howard (Ohio State Buckeyes) | Travis Hunter (Colorado Buffaloes) | Abdul Carter (Penn State Nittany Lions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback | Wide Receiver/Cornerback | Linebacker |
| Strengths | Strong arm, leadership, improved accuracy, experience. | Elite athleticism, two-way versatility, playmaking ability, ball skills. | Explosive speed, powerful tackling, disruptive pass rush, relentless motor. |
| Weaknesses | Inconsistent accuracy, decision-making under pressure. | Durability concerns, positional uncertainty due to dual roles. | Over-pursuit tendencies, coverage refinement needed, size questions. |
| Combine Focus | Arm strength, accuracy drills, footwork, interviews. | Speed/agility drills, route running, positional versatility. | Speed/agility drills, tackling technique, coverage reps. |
| Draft Projection | Mid-to-late rounds (developmental QB prospect). | Top 10 pick (high-value versatile playmaker). | Rounds 2–3 (impact linebacker with upside). |
| NFL Potential | Backup QB with starter upside; long-term project. | Immediate weapon at WR/CB; unique two-way contributor. | High-sack, high-tackle LB; special teams/defensive anchor. |
| Key to Success | Prove consistency in accuracy and decision-making. | Solidify durability and lock down a primary position. | Refine coverage skills and demonstrate discipline. |
Read; Will Howard wins MVP for National College Championship
Will Howard: Ohio State’s Strategic Gambit
Will Howard’s trajectory from Kansas State to Ohio State is a story of resilience. The Pennsylvania native, raised in a family steeped in athletic discipline, credits his father for instilling a relentless work ethic. Off the field, Howard finds solace in hiking and fishing, grounding himself amid the pressures of football.
At Kansas State, Howard flashed potential with 5,786 passing yards and 48 touchdowns, but inconsistency plagued his early career. His transfer to Ohio State marked a calculated gamble—an opportunity to hone his accuracy and master complex schemes under elite coaching. Known for his film-room dedication and vocal leadership, Howard balances a business administration degree with a quest to prove he’s a franchise quarterback.
Combine Focus: Scouts will scrutinize his footwork and decision-making under pressure. Can he translate his academic rigor and improved mechanics into a standout performance?
Travis Hunter: The Dual-Threat Maverick
Travis Hunter isn’t just breaking molds—he’s rewriting the playbook. The Florida native, who followed Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, thrives as both a lockdown corner and a dynamic receiver. His 2023 stats—57 receptions for 721 yards and 5 touchdowns on offense, paired with 31 tackles and 3 interceptions on defense—highlight his rare versatility.
Yet, skepticism lingers. Can his body endure the NFL’s dual demands? Hunter’s upbringing, guided by a tenacious single mother, fuels his drive. Away from the spotlight, he unwinds with video games, but his obsession with film study and technique refinement never wavers.
Combine Focus: Teams will test his endurance and positional focus. Is he a cornerback with receiver flair, or vice versa? His 40-yard dash and agility drills could silence doubters.
Abdul Carter: Penn State’s Defensive Catalyst
Abdul Carter’s rise from Philadelphia’s gritty fields to Penn State’s storied defense is fueled by raw intensity. A tackling machine with a penchant for bone-jarring hits, Carter’s explosiveness off the edge and relentless pursuit make him a nightmare for offenses. Yet, his coverage skills remain a work in progress.
Family ties anchor Carter; his father’s mentorship shaped his competitive fire. Off the field, he channels his energy into basketball, sharpening his agility. While his 6’3″, 250-pound frame intimidates, scouts question his adaptability in pass coverage.
Combine Focus: Linebacker drills will spotlight his lateral quickness and coverage instincts. Can he evolve into a three-down cornerstone?
The Combine: Proving Grounds and Pivots
The NFL Combine isn’t just a showcase—it’s a tipping point. For Howard, precision in throwing drills and interviews could solidify his draft stock. Hunter must balance versatility with viability, proving his body can withstand dual roles. Carter’s challenge lies in demonstrating refined technique to complement his brute strength.
Draft night remains unpredictable, shaped by team needs and hidden agendas. Yet Howard’s leadership, Hunter’s audacity, and Carter’s ferocity offer compelling cases. Their journeys—from college accolades to professional aspirations—are testaments to perseverance. As the NFL world watches, these three stand ready to carve their legacies, one play at a time.
The stage is set. The stakes? Nothing less than football immortality. Its good luck to them from UJERI team.
