Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton recently addressed the challenges faced by ex-Ohio State quarterback Will Howard during the NFL Scouting Combine. Howard, who led Ohio State to a national championship in January, struggled with accuracy during the Combine, particularly on deep throws. This led to a viral video highlighting his difficulties, sparking widespread discussion and concern regarding his draft prospects.
On his “4th & 1 With Cam Newton” podcast, Newton offered a nuanced perspective on Howard’s performance. He acknowledged that while the Combine is an important evaluation tool, it doesn’t singularly determine a player’s potential. Newton remarked, “The thing about the Combine is this. That’s not going to make or break you.” He further highlighted the unique challenges of the event, noting that players often throw to unfamiliar receivers under unfamiliar conditions, which can affect their performance. Newton stated, “You’re in a situation where you don’t know the skill set, you don’t know the tempo, you don’t know who you’re going to throw to.” He questioned, “Do you blame him?”
Newton also addressed criticisms of Howard’s Combine performance, suggesting that such evaluations might overlook the broader context of a player’s abilities and achievements. He emphasized that Howard’s national championship victory and leadership qualities should not be overshadowed by a single event. Newton argued that NFL teams likely have a comprehensive understanding of Howard’s capabilities, stating, “I guarantee you if you ask any NFL scout could they do the draft today, and I guarantee they already know who they want.”
In the aftermath of Howard’s Combine struggles, fellow quarterback Shedeur Sanders came to his defense, highlighting the difficulties of adapting to new receivers and systems on short notice. Sanders remarked that it’s challenging to throw to receivers one isn’t familiar with, acknowledging the variability in route running and chemistry.
The discourse surrounding Howard’s Combine performance underscores the complexities of evaluating talent in high-pressure scenarios. While events like the Combine provide valuable insights, they represent only a fraction of a player’s overall potential and should be considered alongside their collegiate achievements and leadership qualities. As the NFL Draft approaches, Howard’s journey serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of talent assessment in professional football.
