Steelers' Will Howard Quickly Showing Rare Veteran Traits: "Really Impressed"

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft looking for answers at quarterback, and while much of the outside attention centered on bigger names, sixth-round pick Will Howard has quickly started building momentum inside the organization. The former Ohio State quarterback arrived in Pittsburgh with plenty of college experience, leadership qualities, and a national championship pedigree, but questions remained about how quickly his game would translate to the NFL level. Early impressions, however, suggest the Steelers may have found more value than many initially expected.

Though not everyone is buying what the Steelers’ new head coach, Mike McCarthy, is selling regarding the Howard hype. If they thought so highly of Howard, why spend the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select former Penn State Nittany Lions star quarterback Drew Allar? Even so, Howard had reportedly stood out during offseason work for more than just his physical tools in 2025 before suffering an injury that forced him to miss the preseason. Now, as phase two of the offseason workouts rolls on, Howard is working to secure his backup spot and take it from Mason Rudolph.

According to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, one of the biggest takeaways has been Howard’s command of the huddle and overall poise, traits typically associated with more experienced quarterbacks. For a second-year QB entering a room that also features veterans and heightened expectations with Aaron Rodgers now back, that kind of early confidence is difficult to overlook. 

"I am intrigued by Will Howard because [the Steelers] are intrigued by him," Fittipaldo said. "I liked what I saw last season, and I touched on it a little bit. His command of the huddle, he had almost a veteran presence as a rookie. I was really impressed by that. I am intrigued by that."

Those kinds of comments only continue fueling the conversation around Howard’s long-term outlook in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers clearly saw enough potential to remain invested in his development, their decision to draft Allar suggests the organization is still keeping its options open at quarterback. 

That has naturally created debate over whether Howard is truly viewed as a future starter or simply valuable depth with upside. Either way, his early impressions inside the building have made him one of the more intriguing young players to watch heading into camp.

"Having said that, Drew Allar is your prototypical pocket passer in the NFL," Fittipaldo said. "I don’t want to compare him to Ben Roethlisberger, but he is that type of figure in the pocket. He has a great deep ball, but can they fix him? Really unfortunate situation at Penn State, I felt for him… Will Howard has some of the intangibles on Allar. He very well could end up being the better player. To answer the question, I am very intrigued about both of those guys."

Howard’s ability to communicate, stay composed, and carry himself like an established player has already generated far more intrigue than most sixth-round picks would typically receive.

Steelers' Will Howard Continues To Create Legit Buzz

While it remains far too early to draw sweeping conclusions, Howard is beginning to create legitimate buzz as a developmental option worth monitoring throughout training camp and the preseason. 

The Steelers are still evaluating their long-term plans at quarterback, but Howard appears determined to force his way into the conversation sooner rather than later. 

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can.

#SteelerNation