First look at Will Howard, Kaleb Johnson taking snaps at Steelers rookie minicamp

The Pittsburgh Steelers began their 2025 rookie minicamp on Friday, which gives us our first look at the team's new draft class that includes quarterback Will Howard, and running back Kaleb Johnson.

Howard was taken in the sixth round of the draft after the Steelers passed on signal-callers over the first two days of the three-day event, something that was surprising considering the team's uncertainty at the position, both now and in the future.

Now, Howard will try to work his way up the depth chart at quarterback. The group currently includes Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, and Aaron Rodgers could also get added to the mix, although it remains to be seen when.

While there isn't much to gauge from rookie minicamp, it's still fun to see rookies in their first action with the team.

Thanks to Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly, we were able to see some of the first practice snaps of Howard's NFL career, and the video below also includes fellow rookie and running back, Kaleb Johnson (No. 20).

Will Howard during walk through pic.twitter.com/DZX4o6HYH5

First-round pick Derrick Harmon was in attendance and spoke to the media about the recent passing of his mother. He admitted he's still dealing with grief but is feeling better now that he's back on a football field.

“I’m in football. I’m in my element,” Harmon said, per Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Unfortunately, not much action in that clip, but that's to be expected at this early stage in the offseason program. Nevertheless, that's our first look at the potential quarterback-running back duo of the future in Pittsburgh.

Kaboly went on to point out that the first session of rookie minicamp saw the team take part in a walkthrough, so there wasn't much to talk about. However, he did offer some thoughts on Howard, Johnson, and edge rusher Jack Sawyer.

"Thoughts on Rookie Camp: Will Howard knows what to say and is a polished speaker; Kaleb Johnson has similar (height/weight) as Najee but totally different physique (longer); you don't want to meet Jack Sawyer in a dark alley," Kaboly explained. "Other than that, it was a walkthrough of rookie minicamp with 25 tryouts all without helmets"

Unlike Howard, Johnson has a clear path to a starting job in his first season. The Iowa product will compete for the top spot on the depth chart with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, both of whom are thought of more as complementary backs.

Meanwhile, Howard's chances of landing a starting job in Year 1 will be non-existent if Rodgers is signed, as the veteran would be the unquestioned starter.

However, if Rodgers decides to go in a different direction, Howard wouldn't exactly be facing a steep climb in a competition against Rudolph and Thompson, neither of whom are starting-caliber quarterbacks.

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