Steelers Rookie Gets Surprising Prediction From NFL Coach: "I'll Be Surprised If Will Howard Is On The Bench Much Longer"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a bit of a curious quarterback situation brewing in the 2025 offseason. Of course, Aaron Rodgers was rumored to be joining the Steelers, but at the time of the 2025 NFL Draft, nothing was certain. This uncertainty led many draft experts to believe the Steelers might select a quarterback early in the draft. However, they passed on that opportunity and instead landed Will Howard in the sixth round.

Immediately, Howard generated far more hype than a traditional sixth-round pick. Much of that excitement stemmed from his remarkable accomplishments at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to a National Championship victory in the 2024 college football season. His combination of poise, arm talent, and leadership made fans and analysts alike eager to see how his skills would translate to the NFL level.

On Wednesday, the Steelers officially activated Howard from the Reserve/Injured List to the 53-man roster. Super Bowl-winning head coach and current NFL analyst Jon Gruden joined 93.7 The Fan on Thursday to discuss Howard, and he couldn’t stop singing his praises. Gruden emphasized Howard’s potential and suggested it would be a surprise if he didn’t become a key player for the Steelers in the near future.

"I love Will Howard," Gruden told the 93.7 The Fan show on Thursday. "I am thankful that he is up. I’ll be surprised if Will Howard is on the bench much longer. He’s got everything you want in a quarterback. We won a Super Bowl with Brad Johnson. He's got that prototype size I like. He's 6'4", 225-230 and he is built like a horse. I mean this is a big guy. He can run the ball... he can keep it on the zone read, he's an accurate passer. He's a winner man. This guy is a winner."

It’s no secret that Gruden loves football and knows the game as well as anyone on the planet. He clearly likes Howard, having spent several hours with him during his QB camp, where the two studied film together. 

Howard says and does all the right things, but he still fell in the draft. Gruden even told Steelers General Manager Omar Khan that the team got a big steal in the Buckeyes product.

"He won big at Kansas State when they won the Big 12," Gruden said. "He won the national title. He has that wow factor. He has a photographic memory. He's a great communicator. I will be shocked if he is not one he** of an NFL QB. I told a couple of my friends in Pittsburgh, I told Omar Khan that I can't believe you got this guy in the sixth round."

The Steelers’ decision to bring Howard onto the 53-man roster has already sparked plenty of excitement. Sixth-round picks rarely generate this level of attention, but Howard’s college success and clear understanding of the game make him a name to watch. With praise from Gruden, the expectations are high, even if immediate starting duties aren’t on the horizon.

Steelers May Already Have Franchise QB On The Roster

Howard won’t be taking the field as the Steelers’ starter anytime soon. He’ll need time to develop, learn the playbook, and adjust to the NFL speed. Still, being on the roster gives him a real opportunity to grow, get mentorship from Rodgers, and earn the coaches’ trust.

For Steelers fans, Howard’s journey is just beginning. He may not be the face of the franchise right away, but with his talent, work ethic, and support from the team, there’s a legitimate chance he could emerge as a key player in the years ahead.

Do you think Jon Gruden is right? Could Steelers rookie Will Howard really be the team’s future franchise quarterback, or is it too soon to buy into the hype after such bold praise from the Super Bowl-winning coach? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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