There’s no shortage of noise during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 training camp, but every so often, a rookie voice rises above it and it's one that’s measured, confident, and maybe even a bit defiant. That’s what happened this week when Will Howard gave reporters a glimpse into his offseason mindset, and in doing so, fired back at one of the biggest knocks on him coming out of college.
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Will Howard celebrates during the National Championship.
Howard, the 185th overall pick in this year’s draft, isn’t expected to make any noise in the starting quarterback conversation, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t making his presence felt. During a segment on 93.7 The Fan and during a camp interview, the former Kansas State Wildcats and Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback offered a glimpse into the part of his game he’s been laser-focused on this summer: his arm.
“The thing I’ve been focusing on the most through this offseason and this training camp is throwing the ball through people," Howard said. "I think it knocked on me through the draft process with my arm strength, and I don’t necessarily agree with that.”
The suggestion that Howard has been docked points for choosing to take velocity off his passes in favor of accuracy or placement is a subtle but important clarification. It’s also a statement that challenges a common perception among scouts and analysts, many of whom doubted whether he had the arm talent to succeed at the next level.
Howard’s physical tools have never been in question; as he is 6'4" and well over 230 pounds. He can also move around when needed. His issue has always been the consistency of his arm and whether he can command windows with the same timing and touch that elite passers in the NFL display.
Whether he’s the third or fourth quarterback on the depth during during his rookie year behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, Howard is using this training camp to build his case from the ground up. It’s less about competition right now and more about his personal development as a Pittsburgh quarterback.
“Sometimes I just take some velocity off the ball, maybe to place it or to be too accurate.”
That last line shouldn’t be ignored. Howard is challenging the notion that accuracy and arm strength are mutually exclusive. For most quarterbacks in college, zipping the ball with power might look good on film, but it doesn't always translate when windows shrink at the next level.
If he can fine-tune his balance between power and placement, it’s going to bode well for his long-term development, especially in a system like Pittsburgh’s that often requires precise timing throws to running backs and tight ends.
If Howard’s words don’t immediately translate to game-day action, they show a maturing quarterback already thinking like he's a pro. It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where he takes strides throughout this preseason, perhaps even positioning himself for a longer-term backup role. Regardless of how the depth chart shakes out, it’s clear he’s not shrinking from the challenge.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory mini camp.
Steelers Quarterback Room's Focus Shouldn’t Drown Out Howard’s Progress
It’s also worth noting how much a quote like this separates Howard from other late-round picks. He’s not just hoping to stick around; he’s making the case that he has an NFL arm and the mental framework to use it effectively.
Howard giving quotes like the one he delivered this week suggest that he understands what it takes to build something not just physically, but mentally, too. He may not be throwing the hardest ball in camp, but the fact that he’s focused on why that is, and what he’s doing to change it, is the kind of insight that gives coaches and evaluators something to work with.
Have the Steelers found a hidden gem in Howard, or is this just classic rookie camp confidence? Let us know in the comments below!
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