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College Football:NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up Week 1

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with fans after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Howard (3) passes against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half of the 2016 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. The Mountaineers won 43-42. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Howard (3) passes against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half of the 2016 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. The Mountaineers won 43-42. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Skyler Howard (QB – West Virginia) vs. Missouri

In reality, it’s going to be tough for Skyler Howard to work his way into the 2017 NFL Draft. For starters, despite being listed at six-feet tall by the school, Howard is likely much closer to 5-foot-11.

While the difference may not seem like a lot, quarterbacks under 6-feet, tend to be dropped on the draft board.

Also going against Howard is the offense. The Big 12 is known for high-scoring, pass-happy offenses, and West Virginia is no different. The Mountaineers may have a more balanced attack than many of the teams in the conference, but Dana Holgorsen is still a pass-first coach.

Completing passes should be a big focus for Howard this season, as he struggled to throw a consistent ball. Over the final 10 games of the 2015 season, he completed less than 55 percent of his passes in eight.

With a talented receiving corps back for 2016, Howard must take multiple steps forward in his development. The West Virginia athletic department didn’t make it easy on him, as the Mountaineers will host Missouri to open the season. The Tigers have a stellar pass rush led by DE Charles Harris. They also finished the 2015 season ranked number five overall against the pass.

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