The Pittsburgh Steelers had many pundits convinced they might make a surprising move in the 2025 NFL Draft by reaching early for a quarterback. That did not happen, as the team waited until the sixth round to select rookie quarterback Will Howard. Despite being a late-round pick, Howard entered Pittsburgh with far more hype than the typical sixth-rounder because of his standout season at Ohio State in 2024.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
Howard’s rise in training camp was solid, as he had outplayed Skylar Thompson and moved ahead of him on the depth chart before suffering an untimely injury. That setback cost him valuable momentum, allowing Thompson to reclaim the QB3 spot. Now in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are expected to place Howard on injured reserve to begin the 2025 season, with the possibility of returning after at least four weeks. The move gives the rookie time to recover fully, but it also delays any chance for him to improve.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly weighed in on his podcast Thursday, expressing his frustration with Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s decision. Kaboly argued that Tomlin’s handling of Howard’s situation could limit the young quarterback’s development at a crucial time in his career. While most late-round rookies face uphill battles to make an impact, Kaboly believes Howard has enough talent to warrant a more aggressive plan, and he is not shy about voicing his concerns.
"I don't agree with it whatsoever," Kaboly told Mack on his podcast Kaboly + Mack on Thursday. "I think Will Howard needs to be fed as much as he can be. Even if it's for four weeks, up to seven weeks, whatever it could be depending on when they start the clock, it's a lost season."
Ben Roethlisberger was very supportive of the Steelers’ decision to draft Howard and admitted he was excited about the move. At the same time, he also raised a serious concern about the rookie’s long-term outlook. The Steelers still need a true franchise quarterback, and there is little belief within the organization that a sixth-round pick will be the answer for the future. All signs point to Pittsburgh targeting a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft and investing heavily in that prospect.
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Steelers QB Will Howard looks in the direction of Ben Roethlisberger as he joined him as a guest on his podcast Footbahlin.
If that happens, it could leave Howard in a difficult position. The team’s commitment to a high draft pick would push him further down the depth chart, making it extremely hard for him to establish himself as a legitimate option. For any late-round quarterback, opportunities are already limited, and the presence of a top prospect would only shrink those chances even more.
Howard is beginning his career at a disadvantage, and the injury he suffered only compounds that challenge. Instead of building momentum and gaining valuable reps, he is forced to wait while the team looks ahead to the future. Roethlisberger’s excitement about his potential is genuine, but his warning about the uphill battle Howard faces in Pittsburgh rings even louder.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Excited To Help Will Howard
One of the biggest positives for Howard is the presence of four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old quarterback was brought in to elevate the Steelers’ offense, but he has also shown a strong commitment to mentoring the rookie. For Howard, having one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time guiding him during his first season is an incredible advantage.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory minicamp.
Although the injury has set him back, Howard benefits from a strong support system and daily access to Rodgers’ knowledge and experience. Few rookies ever get that kind of opportunity, and it gives him a chance to learn the nuances of the position from a future Hall of Famer. Even if Howard’s path to playing time is uncertain, the mentorship he is receiving could prove invaluable to his development.
Do you agree with Kaboly that Tomlin's choice to put Howard on IR is going to hurt him in the long run? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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