The Pittsburgh Steelers finally addressed their quarterback issues by drafting Will Howard out of Ohio State in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard isn't expected to come in and start, but his selection does give the room some excitement and the fan base a little bit of optimism when it comes to the future of the position in Pittsburgh. The Steelers got a ton of value in Howard, as he was expected to go in the fourth or fifth round of the event. It was known leading up to the draft that the Steelers had some interest in Howard, and the organization got its guy as he fell in the draft.
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Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard runs on the field before a big time game in the Rose Bowl.
Howard was one of the best quarterbacks in college football during the 2024 season, and he put himself on the radar of NFL teams after leading Ohio State to a National Championship victory. He managed to take down the top teams in the nation, and he performed well at the 2025 Scouting Combine and his Pro Day. The quarterback was featured on the NFL's production Hey Rookie, which showed some behind the scenes footage of Howard during the pre-draft process and during the event. While the event was going on and Pittsburgh's pick was coming up, Howard was seen begging to become a Steeler.
"Please pick me, please." Howard said. "Please, pick me Pittsburgh."
Shortly after Howard said this, the Steelers selected him with the 185th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He rejoiced and cried with his family after speaking to the organization, and the family celebrated by jumping into the pool together. It is clear Howard has the hunger to be great, and his excitement to be coming to Pittsburgh is unmatched.
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Steelers' quarterback Will Howard communicating during a game against Oregon in 2024.
The young quarterback was not just asking to be drafted by Pittsburgh because he was getting desperate, he has wanted to be a Steeler for quite some time. On the show, footage of Howard speaking with General Manager Omar Khan at his Pro Day was shown. He went and spoke with a friend after the interaction and seemed excited about the opportunity of potentially wearing the black and gold.
"That was the GM of the Steelers." Howard said. "I wouldn't mind that at all."
Pittsburgh is an attractive destination for a young quarterback with the way the roster is currently constructed. The only quarterbacks on the roster at the start of the draft were Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph which might present a bit of an opportunity for Howard. The organization is expected to add Aaron Rodgers as the starter, or another veteran, but Howard should be able to have an opportunity to show what he can do at some point over the first couple years of his career.
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Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft selections from Ohio State, Will Howard and Jack Sawyer, after winning the CFP National Championship in January of 2025.
Steelers' Will Howard Should Be Able To Compete For Backup Quarterback Job
Assuming Pittsburgh signs Rodgers or another veteran to be the starter, Howard would more than likely begin the season as the team's emergency third quarterback behind Rudolph. However, if the rookie can perform well during training camp he might be able to earn that second spot on the depth chart. This would be beneficial as he would be the first guy off the bench in case of an injury, or some sort of blow out.
Pittsburgh doesn't typically make it easy for rookies to ascend up the depth chart in training camp, so it is probable that Rudolph will be the back up. If the Steelers are not able to add any other starting-caliber quarterbacks to the roster, Rudolph would be the assumed starter with Howard backing him up. Rudolph has been a streaky player throughout his career, and Howard would more than likely get a shot at starting at some point during his rookie season.
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