The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been the subject of major talk this offseason. It started with Aaron Rodgers and the idea of both sides coming to an announcement soon that Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. However, whether he comes or not, he’s 41 years old, and the Steelers need to be thinking about the future of the position. That's why they have been entangled in the quarterback class of the 2025 NFL Draft to possibly find their next franchise quarterback. The class is considered subpar at best, but that hasn't stopped Pittsburgh from doing their homework.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
Despite the mixed reviews on the talent in this quarterback class, the Steelers know the importance of securing a long-term solution under center. Rodgers, if he joins, would only be a temporary fix, and Pittsburgh cannot afford to rely on a future Hall of Famer well past his prime. This brings them to the 2025 draft, where many eyes are on the potential quarterbacks who could emerge as long-term leaders for the team. The Steelers’ front office has been actively scouting quarterbacks to ensure they make the right decision for the franchise’s future.
NFL pundit Derrik Klassen wrote in his article for The Athletic why the Steelers need to forget about every other quarterback and draft Will Howard. Klassen believes Howard’s skill set is the perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s offensive system under second-year Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith.
"They have to draft somebody, right? Even under the assumption Aaron Rodgers finally drops the charade and signs, the Steelers need to make some sort of effort to secure a young quarterback. Howard, if nothing else, fits Arthur Smith's offense," Klassen writes. "He is not someone who should be a high-volume passer, which already leans into Smith's run-first approach. Additionally, Howard's best traits are his size and arm talent, which allows him to comfortably throw down the field, as well as ample athletic ability for a player his size. Smith's entire play-action and boot menu would be open with Howard at quarterback."
Howard is an intriguing prospect after leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a dominant National Title victory in 2024. His performance was nothing short of impressive, showcasing a wide array of skills that caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Howard’s arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure were on full display throughout the season, and he appeared to be a rising star in the college football world.
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Will Howard celebrates during the National Championship.
However, while his college career has been stellar, there are lingering questions about whether his success is truly a reflection of his individual talent or a product of being surrounded by elite players in Columbus.
"It's hard to imagine Howard developing the down-to-down accuracy and play speed to really thrive as an NFL starter, but Smith's offense in Pittsburgh at least would give Howard a chance to hide his weaknesses and lean into his strengths," Klassen said.
The jury is still out on whether Howard can translate his dominance in college to success in the NFL. While his skills are undeniable, there’s a concern that his development has been heavily aided by the high level of talent around him—something that will level out in the pros. NFL pundits will be closely watching how he adjusts to the next level.
Steelers Could Strike Gold With Will Howard
Despite the questions surrounding his transition to the NFL, Howard’s success in the college ranks and his physical traits make him an exciting prospect. His dominant play at OSU and ability to lead his team to a national title have solidified his place among the top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class.
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Steelers' Arthur Smith looks on during a game with Pittsburgh.
For the Steelers, the decision will come down to whether they believe Howard’s skills can stand out in the NFL or if his performance was merely a result of a perfect system and a star-studded roster. In a weak class, Howard is starting to stand out, and if he's available in Round 3, the Steelers could strike gold with elite value on a perfect fit for Smith's system.
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