The Pittsburgh Steelers had many convinced they would take a big swing on a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft. That didn’t happen, but in the sixth round, the Steelers found an opportunity to select Will Howard. The Ohio State product played a key role in leading the Buckeyes to a National Championship during the 2024 college football season. That accomplishment certainly boosted his draft stock, but he still fell to the later rounds, leaving his future wide open.
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Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
No one truly knows what lies ahead for Howard, but he is approaching it the right way. From day one, he has shown the kind of work ethic and determination that separates prospects from professionals. His preparation, both on and off the field, has already caught the attention of the Steelers’ coaching staff and veteran leaders, signaling that he is ready to earn his shot, no matter the obstacles.
Howard’s mindset is unique and rare. While speaking with Cam Heyward and Hayden Walsh on the Not Just Football podcast on Wednesday, he revealed one small daily goal that Aaron Rodgers is helping him accomplish. It is a glimpse into the focused and disciplined approach Howard is bringing to Pittsburgh, an approach that could pay dividends not just for his own development, but for the future of the Steelers’ quarterback room.
"I am helping him run meetings, like the signal stuff, he likes to give that to me and let me run all that stuff," Howard said while speaking during Heyward's podcast on Wednesday. "It's certain things that I pick up. My goal has been like, 'Can I pick up one thing every day from Aaron?' It may not be learning how he is operating at the line of scrimmage today and understand all of that right away, but just the things he can do and process at the line of scrimmage is unbelievable."
Howard got off to a strong start in training camp, but a rare hand injury slowed his progress. Now he is taking advantage of a new opportunity. While he still cannot do much physically, he is finding unique ways to improve every day.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory minicamp.
Rodgers has been mentoring him, and it sounds like Howard is thriving in that learning role behind the scenes.
"If I can take one thing every day, I know that was a successful day," Howard said. "Especially for me now sitting on the IR, I can't be doing anything physically, so I am just trying to get in his hip pocket as much as possible and learn as much as I can. He is a dictionary and encyclopedia of knowledge."
Steelers fans were genuinely excited about the decision to draft Howard. For starters, it is a low-risk move that could pay off greatly down the road. For a sixth-round pick, developing into a successful NFL backup is already a win. Obviously, Howard has much higher goals than just being a backup, however. That is exciting for Steelers fans, and it is even more thrilling to hear how committed Rodgers is to helping him develop.
Steelers' Future At QB Remains Uncertain
Howard is young, and the Steelers’ future at the quarterback position is wide open. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh is expected to target the position again. It will not be easy for Howard, but he has a clear advantage by playing alongside Rodgers and learning the system a year before the next potential quarterback arrives.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers’ future at the quarterback position remains uncertain. However, Howard is doing everything in his power to prove he can be the future of the franchise. That is a tough ask for a sixth-round pick, but Howard is the last player you want to doubt.
What do you expect out of Will Howard during his Steelers career? 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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