The Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to draft quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite having several opportunities to select a more highly regarded quarterback prospect, the Steelers chose to wait until late in the draft. It was a move that raised eyebrows, but it also showed they believed in Howard’s long-term potential.
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Ohio State QB Will Howard speaks to the media after winning the National Championship.
Making the jump from college football to the NFL is never easy, and the odds are even tougher for a quarterback drafted in the sixth round. Those players are typically viewed as longshots, with limited chances to rise up the depth chart. But once rookie minicamp began, Howard started to stand out. He showed poise, command in the huddle, and a clear understanding of the playbook, earning the attention of the coaching staff and team insiders.
Reports from local beat writers have been encouraging. Brian Batko pointed out that while no one is rushing to crown Howard, there is a growing sense that the Steelers are becoming seriously confident in his progress. He is far from a finished product, but Howard has already made a strong early impression that could position him for a real opportunity in Pittsburgh.
"Well, I'm not that optimistic," Batko said. "Look, betting on any sixth-rounder to have a great career is just not a wise investment. You're gonna lose a lot more than you win."
While most Steelers fans would be wise to pump the brakes on the Howard hype, there’s a growing sense inside the organization that they may have landed a major steal in the sixth round.
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Steelers' Will Howard throws a pass during his final college season in 2024.
Batko has noted that team officials are quietly optimistic about Howard’s potential and how quickly he’s picked things up since arriving in Pittsburgh.
"But I do like Will Howard and, more important, I'm pretty comfortable saying there are people in the organization who really like Will Howard and thought he was a much better prospect than where they landed him," Batko said. "Does that mean he'll pan out? Not at all. But it's his first month as a pro. We don't have to call him Josh Allen Jr. or Big Ben 2.0, we really don't."
Though former Jon Gruden has gone as far as comparing Howard to Josh Allen, Batko isn’t ready to take it to that level. Instead, he offers important context behind the excitement. Howard’s physical tools, work ethic, and early grasp of the offense are all reasons why the Steelers are becoming more confident in their late-round investment.
It’s normal for any fan base to hype up a new quarterback, especially in Pittsburgh where fans are always hungry for the next big thing. However, the excitement around Howard feels unusually strong for a player taken in the sixth round.
That’s because he probably shouldn’t have fallen that far. Several quarterbacks were drafted ahead of him with fewer accomplishments and weaker resumes. For reasons unclear, Howard didn’t generate much attention before the draft, but the Steelers believe they may have found a hidden gem.
Steelers' Will Howard Eager To Prove 31 NFL Teams Wrong
That doesn’t mean Howard is guaranteed to become the face of the franchise or even a starting quarterback in the NFL. Still, getting a quarterback in the sixth round who can eventually develop into a reliable backup would already be considered a win. Howard has shown early signs that he can be more than just a camp body, and his approach is earning him respect quickly.
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Steelers' Will Howard tries on his helmet in Pittsburgh for the first time.
It’s difficult to hear Howard talk and not root for him. He has been doubted at every level and has consistently found ways to prove people wrong. His resilience, toughness, and leadership qualities stand out. Even if he never becomes a long-term starter, there is no question that Howard will give everything he has to make the most of his opportunity.
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