The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard didn’t receive the national hype that some fans felt he deserved after leading Ohio State through an impressive 2024 college football season, but the Steelers considered him one of the biggest steals of the draft. They loved how Howard handled difficult moments during the College Football Playoff run, as well as his mindset.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In training camp, Howard quickly turned heads, showing poise, accuracy, and maturity beyond his rookie status. He even appeared to edge out Skylar Thompson for the QB3 job before an untimely injury landed him on injured reserve. Missing the entire preseason was a setback, but it has not dampened the organization’s belief in his potential.
Despite the injury, Howard has found ways to make an impact. On the Downs 2 Business podcast with Josh Downs and Caleb Downs, Howard revealed that he met with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the team’s front office to outline a new role for him while he recovers. Rather than being sidelined completely, the rookie is being tasked with helping Aaron Rodgers adapt and thrive in Pittsburgh’s new system.
"Everybody's told me don't just take it as a rest or some time off," Howard said. "You gotta attack this time. I met with Mike [Tomlin] today and some of our coaches, our OC, and we kinda developed a plan for me on IR. What I'm going to do every single week to help with the game plan. What I'm going to do physically out on the field. Obviously, I can't practice, but I still gotta work out and be in physical shape when I get back."
For a sixth-round pick to be trusted with responsibilities involving one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time speaks volumes about how highly the Steelers view Howard’s football intelligence and leadership qualities.
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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.
While his injury has worried fans who believe in his future, it is clear that he is doing everything in his power to help the team while also ensuring he does not lose his footing.
"We developed I think a really good plan," Howard said. "Gave me a bunch of projects to do throughout the week and made some cutups for Aaron. Every time we're on offense and Aaron's out there and our offense is running our plays, l'll be over there watching and making sure I get the mental reps. Because I need to be able to come back and not really skip a beat."
The plan is simple, but significant. Howard will spend his time studying tape, analyzing defenses, and offering fresh perspectives to Rodgers and the offensive staff. His college experience at OSU, where he excelled in reading defenses and adjusting in high-pressure moments, will now be channeled into supporting the future Hall of Famer.
Steelers Rookie Will Howard Not Missing A Beat While On IR
For Howard, this opportunity represents a unique chance to learn directly from Rodgers while also carving out a role that could accelerate his own development. For the Steelers, it ensures that even while sidelined, their rookie quarterback is contributing to the team’s ultimate goal of competing for a championship.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory mini camp.
This Steelers offense is hopeful for a lot of points in Week 1 against the New York Jets. To do that, Rodgers and this new-look offense will need to gel fully together quickly. It’s an exciting season for Steelers fans, but there are still a lot of uncertainties and questions.
What are your expectations for Will Howard and his future with the Steelers? 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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