"Behind The Scenes" Clues Hint At Steelers Targeting A Certain Quarterback On Day 3 Of The 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are certainly in play to draft a quarterback during the 2025 NFL Draft -- although it may not be with a premiere pick. The Steelers hold the 21st overall selection in the event, and it is very unlikely that the franchise uses that spot on the signal-caller position. The team has been keeping their eyes on some quarterback prospects, however, that could just so happen be available when Pittsburgh is on the clock. The organization is primed to attempt to find some value at quarterback later in the draft, which could come in the third or fourth round.

The organization showed some interest in quarterback Will Howard out of Ohio State on Wednesday. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith all met with Howard and some other Buckeyes before attending the school's Pro Day. There are plenty of prospects to be intrigued by out of Columbus, but fans are focused on the quarterback position. Team insider Mike DeFabo addressed fans in a recent mailbag for The Athletic on Thursday morning, and he spoke about the interest in Howard.

"Though I’m not totally sold on Howard, I put him in my mock draft based on what I’m hearing behind the scenes — and what’s now out there publicly," DeFabo wrote. "I think the Steelers would begin considering him in the third or fourth round. Considering is the key word here."

In DeFabo's mock draft from earlier in the week, the reporter had the Steelers trading back up into the third-round for the 96th selection from the Philadelphia Eagles, which the team would then use on Howard. This made sense for DeFabo based on what he was hearing behind the scenes at the time, and now it might make even more sense after the team's brass met with Howard ahead of his Pro Day.

Howard performed extremely well at his Pro Day in front of the Steelers' key decision-makers. The quarterback prospect even spoke with the media following the event and discussed the connection he made with Tomlin and company. The quarterback is also from the eastern side of Pennsylvania, so he wouldn't mind returning to his home state. 

If Howard is on the board in the third or fourth round for Pittsburgh, he will likely be heavily considered. The quarterback has a volatile draft stock as he could land anywhere from the third to fifth round, but if the Steelers want a quarterback with a lot of experience and success at the collegiate level, he is the guy.

By no means is Howard a sure fire prospect. He will need to sit for a season or two, but there could be a ton of value in the prospect based off of where he is selected. He has been compared to Bo Nix because of his experience in college, which would likely mean he is more prepared to start sooner rather than later.

Steelers Could Wait Until 2026 To Take A Swing On A Quarterback

Although selecting Howard later in the draft shouldn't be considered a big investment, the draft is deep at a ton of positions of need for Pittsburgh that the organization should be considering. The franchise may wait until 2026 to try and find the future of the position for the team as next year's class is expected to be much better. The organization is also in line to receive a good amount of compensatory picks in the event, which will make it easier to trade up for a top flight quarterback if necessary.

Everything about how the Steelers approach the quarterback position is going to be interesting during the 2025 season. It all comes down to whether or not Pittsburgh can land Aaron Rodgers, and whether or not they are comfortable starting Mason Rudolph if it comes to that. 

What do you think about the Steelers drafting Howard? Let us know in the comments below!

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