In a move that reflects both strategic foresight and the realities of their quarterback situation, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Will Howard out of Ohio State University in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The pick, while not headline-grabbing, could prove pivotal for the franchise as it navigates a crossroads at the quarterback position.
With veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers still mulling over a $10 million, one-year deal from Pittsburgh and backup options like Kirk Cousins being discussed in trade rumors, the Steelers are clearly exploring both short-term and long-term options under center. Drafting Howard isn’t a move designed to shake up the depth chart in Week 1 of the 2025 season—but it is a smart, low-risk, high-upside play that aligns with Pittsburgh’s long-standing commitment to player development.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan both emphasized during their post-draft press conference that Howard was a player they had tracked for several years. “He’s got the physical tools, the mental toughness, and the leadership qualities we like in our quarterbacks,” said Tomlin. “We’re not asking him to be the guy on Day 1, but we’re excited to help him grow in our system.”
Will Howard began his college career at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State for his final season of eligibility. Known for his prototypical size (6’5”, 235 lbs) and strong arm, Howard brought physicality and experience to the Buckeyes’ QB room in 2024. While he didn’t put up Heisman-level numbers, he was consistently solid, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 24 touchdowns with 8 interceptions during the 2024 season.
Howard’s mechanics and pocket awareness improved notably during his lone season in Columbus, and NFL scouts praised his improved decision-making, especially under pressure. Still, he remains raw in several areas—particularly with regard to processing speed and footwork consistency, which is why he slid to the later rounds.
No one in Pittsburgh expects Howard to be the starter in 2025. The Steelers are still awaiting clarity on the Rodgers situation and may explore a bridge quarterback scenario if the four-time MVP declines their offer. Meanwhile, Howard will likely begin the season as the team’s QB3, potentially behind a veteran starter and a backup like Mason Rudolph or another free agent.
Still, the Steelers have a long history of turning late-round picks into contributors. Ben Roethlisberger, their franchise quarterback for nearly two decades, famously developed under Bill Cowher and later Tomlin. While the situations aren’t identical, the organization knows how to create an environment conducive to quarterback growth.
Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan will take the lead in Howard’s development. Sullivan is well-respected for his work with young quarterbacks, and the Steelers are optimistic about Howard’s trajectory given time and coaching.
The selection of Will Howard signals a few things: Rodgers is not guaranteed. While Pittsburgh has made a compelling offer, they’re clearly hedging their bets. They’re thinking post-2025. Even if Rodgers plays one season or Cousins is acquired, the Steelers need a long-term plan. They’re avoiding overpaying for mediocrity. Rather than reaching for a QB in the early rounds or overpaying in free agency, they’re investing in a player they can mold.
Howard’s drafting also serves as a message to the locker room: the Steelers are looking to develop leadership from within. If he shows flashes during training camp and preseason, he could quickly rise in stature among teammates.
Reactions from Steelers Nation have been mixed but hopeful. Some fans had their eyes on higher-profile quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders, but understand the logic behind picking a developmental player late in the draft.
“Not flashy, but smart,” one fan commented on social media. “Let’s see if Tomlin and the staff can work their magic.”
If Howard pans out, even as a high-level backup or potential spot starter, this sixth-round pick could look like a steal in hindsight. And if he exceeds expectations, the Steelers might just have found their quarterback of the future without giving up premium draft capital.
In a draft dominated by big-name QBs and blockbuster trades, the Steelers made a quieter but potentially important move. Will Howard might not be the headline today—but in the Steelers’ patient, disciplined system, he could be tomorrow’s story.
