NFL Draft QB Showdown: Who's Leading the Accuracy Race?

Ward is solidly in the middle of the pack for his catchable pass and well-thrown rates from a range of air yardages.

Room to grow, for sure. 

4. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon 

5. Will Howard, Ohio State

6. Tyler Shough, Louisville 

These quarterbacks belong in a group together. There’s a good chance they’re the final three drafted out of this group, and they have somewhat similar value propositions.

Consider: 

• Their topline accuracy numbers are all similar enough. On throws 5+ yards downfield, Howard, Gabriel and Shough ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, in well-thrown rate. 
• Howard lived more dangerously than the other two, with a 4.96% pickable rate on those throws. But maybe he lived that way because he was playing on an unstoppable offense with future top-five receiver pick Jeremiah Smith catching the ball. Then again, a pair of ugly interceptions against Michigan did cost the Buckeyes that game and nearly wrecked their season. 
• Howard and Shough were the best in the class at avoiding sacks, with sack per pressure rates between 9.4% and 10.1%, respectively. 
• Gabriel averaged a mere 6.9 air yards per attempt, easily the shortest depth of target among draft prospects. But that sounds a lot like Bo Nix at Oregon in 2023, and Nix had a great rookie year with the Denver Broncos. Maybe you’re a believer the latest Ducks super senior can be something, too .

Probably, none of these three QBs will be an NFL starter. 

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