In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Going into the draft, it seemed inevitable that the Steelers would draft a quarterback. However, some fans might not have expected it to take this long. Howard has an impressive resumé, though, so maybe taking a flier on him here could work out well. It sounds like Howard is coming in prepared to compete for the starting quarterback job.
“I think the biggest thing is attacking the process and trying to get better every single day,” Howard said after the pick via the team’s transcript. “It’s not a matter of what happens on the field or if I play right away, it’s about getting better, and it’s about learning.
“Whoever is in the room with me, whoever is competing with us, I just cannot wait to delve into this situation and to really give my all to this team. Because that’s how I do things. I don’t do things half-in. I go all-in. I have every expectation that this next step with the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be amazing for me. It’s going to be the best thing for me.”
That’s nice confidence from a sixth-round pick. Most Day 3 players have a long hill to climb to be regular starters. As the rounds drag on, it can be tougher for players to come in and have job security. Not every sixth-round quarterback becomes Tom Brady, but it sounds like Howard is prepared for whatever his future holds, even if that is sitting and learning.
However, Howard did have a solid college career. Last year, in his first and only year at Ohio State, Howard helped the team win the National Championship Game. He was even named the game’s offensive MVP, showing up in the biggest moment of his career.
There’s not a lot of clarity about the Steelers’ current quarterback situation. At the moment, Mason Rudolph is slated to be their starter. Skylar Thompson is the only other player in that room. That gives Howard a solid path to making the roster. Omar Khan has stated that the Steelers will take four quarterbacks into training camp, though, so more competition is likely on the way.
Could that be Aaron Rodgers? That still seems possible. If Rodgers does join the Steelers, then Howard almost certainly won’t win the starting job, barring some very unexpected developments. Howard could, however, sit and learn from Rodgers and Rudolph. That might help his career more in the long run.
Howard has the tools to succeed in the NFL. He just needs to learn and adjust to the league. Maybe he can eventually develop into a decent starter. In the sixth round, it was worth it to take a chance on Howard. He’s a lottery ticket. If he hits, that’s great. If not, the Steelers didn’t spend huge draft capital on him. It sounds like his draft spot isn’t going to stop him from competing, though.
