The Pittsburgh Steelers had many pundits thinking they might draft a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, but instead they waited until the sixth round to select former Ohio State standout Will Howard. Howard entered the draft off a remarkable 2024 college football season in which he led the Buckeyes to a National Championship and delivered big performances on the sport’s biggest stage.
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Ohio State quarterback Will Howard speaks to the media after leading the Buckeyes to victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship, capping off a historic season with a national title win.
Howard’s playoff run showcased his clutch poise, leadership, and strong arm in high–pressure moments. Yet despite that championship pedigree, he still fell to the sixth round, a slide that has clearly fueled his motivation, and he is now driven to prove every team wrong, especially those who passed on him earlier.
As training camp got underway in Latrobe, Howard has already begun turning heads. Steelers insider Brian Batko spoke on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, and he noted that Howard already looks better than former first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett. It’s still early, but the rookie is gaining momentum fast, and Steelers fans have every reason to be intrigued.
"Will Howard... l thought on-field stuff, yeah, he looked somewhat poised," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Brian Batko said. "The guy that first pops into my mind when I think of a rookie at Steelers training camp is Kenny Pickett... He looked, I thought, more skittish, and maybe that was just [because] some of the guys in front of him were stocking shelves a couple months later. But I remember him looking like the game was moving pretty fast, and it wasn't like any of us, I don't think, were clamoring for him to move up the depth chart quickly."
Batko noted that when Pickett first arrived at training camp, it was clear to everyone that there would be a learning curve. In contrast, he’s already seen more poise and confidence from Howard in just a short time.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (#8) and rookie Will Howard (#18) are seen throwing passes during the team’s 2025 minicamp session, as both players prepare for the upcoming NFL season and continue building chemistry within the new-look offense.
In fact, Batko went so far as to say he believes Howard will be pushing Skylar Thompson down the depth chart sooner rather than later. That doesn't mean that Howard is going to challenge Mason Rudolph for the backup spot just yet. However, it does mean he's gaining some motion in the Steel City early.
"With Will Howard, I don't think it's gonna be long before Skylar Thompson, all due respect to that young man, is in the rearview and Howard's working in there as the third quarterback," Batko said.
The Steelers went all in on the 2025 season with 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm. It has become clear that the team plans to target their next potential franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. That draft will be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time in league history, giving the Steelers a unique opportunity to select their future leader under center right in their own city.
Steelers' Will Howard Working His Way Up Brutal Depth Chart
For now, Howard will continue fighting to climb a depth chart that presents a steep challenge for any sixth-round pick. Still, that doesn’t deter Howard. He remains focused and committed to putting in the work each day. Many believe that if he is given a real opportunity, he has the talent and mindset to carve out a place in the league.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory mini camp.
Of course, no one will ever know what Howard is capable of unless those opportunities come. Until then, he’ll keep preparing for the moment he finally gets his shot. Ben Roethlisberger has made it clear where he stands on Howard. If the future Hall of Famer believes in him, Steelers fans feel like they should as well.
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