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The Pittsburgh Steelers were widely expected to take a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft considering their current situation, and while it took longer than anticipated, the team finally landed one in the sixth round.
The Steelers selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard with the No. 185 overall pick. Pittsburgh desperately needed a young quarterback to develop in order to have some hope for the future, and they got their guy.
Assuming the Steelers actually sign Aaron Rodgers, Howard will sit for a season and develop. However, if Rodgers opts to retire or sign elsewhere, Howard will be in a competition for the starting job with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and potentially another veteran if the Steelers sign one.
Howard has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, as he has a big arm but throws with accuracy, and he possesses plus athleticism to escape the rush and make plays with his legs.
Here's some scouting reports from experts.
Will Howard scouting reports
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Howard brings outstanding size and toughness to the table. He showed good improvement over the last three seasons. He is more a vessel of the play-caller than a playmaking talent, though. He typically reads half the field and makes reasonable decisions with the football, using good mechanics and consistent accuracy. He doesn’t hold defenders at bay with his eyes and lacks the arm strength to beat tight man coverage on second- and third-level throws. He showed good poise in 2024 to beat the blitz through the air and has always been able to escape pressure by making plays with his legs. Howard is big, tough and accurate but benefited from superior talent at the skill positions at Ohio State. Unless he proves he can play chess against NFL defenses, he might not have enough in the tool box to become more than an average backup."
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Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: "Howard projects as a developmental quarterback prospect. His leap in play was aided by a strong supporting cast at Ohio State, but he boasts good leadership intangibles, ideal stature to win from the pocket, enough mobility to get outside and throw on the move, and more. However, his coverage diagnosis and accuracy are too infrequent to be considered a viable candidate to start early. He has enough upside to warrant potential as a starter down the road."
Bleacher Report Scouting Department: "Overall, Will Howard has the tools and abilities teams look for in a developmental prospect. He offers an NFL skill set but projects as a backup behind a veteran. Howard's flashes of passing upside, along with his rushing ability, will be enticing to an NFL franchise later in the draft."
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