Why NFL Draft Analyst Calls Will Howard ‘Ideal Fit’ For Steelers

The Steelers’ quarterback situation still has multiple questions around it, and some of those include rookie Will Howard.

Pittsburgh passed on the opportunity to draft a prospect like Shedeur Sanders and instead chose to draft Howard with the 185th pick of the sixth round. The 23-year-old has championship pedigree, but the Ohio State product isn’t exactly a Day 1 starter.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid evaluated the team fits for every quarterback from the 2025 NFL Draft and was optimistic about Howard’s outlook with the Steelers.

“While it was surprising to see Pittsburgh wait until Round 6 to pick a quarterback, Howard is an ideal fit,” Reid wrote in a column Thursday. “His 89.6 QBR topped the FBS, while his 73% completion percentage ranked second. He has excellent size (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) and mobility, and he continues to improve as a passer.”

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor offered her analysis of what Howard’s role could be.

“Though the Steelers are waiting on Aaron Rodgers’ decision, Howard’s role is unlikely to change either way,” Pryor wrote. “Owner Art Rooney II said as much in a radio interview during the draft, saying ‘it’s not likely’ a drafted QB would ‘have a big impact on this season.’ So Howard projects to be the No. 2 or No. 3 QB on the depth chart behind at least Mason Rudolph in Week 1. And while he represents good value as a sixth-round pick, he still needs to develop if he’s going to be a starting NFL quarterback in the future.”

NFL schedule makers seemed to think Rodgers would sign with the Steelers based on the primetime games and structure of the schedule. Howard could benefit from learning like a veteran like Rodgers, but as Pryor pointed out, it’s unlikely he makes an impact right away. It probably would say a lot about the QB room if Howard emerged as the Week 1 starter.