The Pittsburgh Steelers were the talk of the 2025 NFL Draft leading up to it and during. That was on display every time the Steelers got on the clock, as fans and analysts speculated whether they’d take a swing at one of the top quarterback prospects. Despite having multiple chances to do so, Pittsburgh never reached. They stuck to their plan and waited until the sixth round to take a flier on Will Howard—a move that made headlines not because of where he was picked, but because of who he is.
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Steelers' Will Howard runs the field during his time playing with the Buckeyes in college.
Howard enters Pittsburgh with more buzz than most sixth-round quarterbacks, largely due to his physical tools and high-upside potential. He boasts NFL size, a big arm, and starting experience in two Power Five programs. Those traits have many fans hopeful that the Steelers may have found a diamond in the rough. However, while his college resume and intangibles have stirred excitement, the reality is that he’s far from a polished NFL-ready quarterback.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly added a dose of reality to the hype on Wednesday, cautioning fans to pump the brakes on the Howard dream. According to Kaboly, Howard has a long developmental road ahead and shouldn’t be viewed as the future of the franchise just yet. While the Steelers see potential, Kaboly noted that the team doesn't expect him to compete for a starting role anytime soon. The hype may be real, but so are the growing pains that come with grooming a late-round project at quarterback.
"Let me list some recent names of quarterbacks taken in the sixth round of the draft: Joe Milton, Devin Leary, Tanner McKee, Sam Ehlinger, Jake Luton, Gardner Minshew, Trace McSorley, Luke Falk, Tanner Lee, Brad Kaaya, Nate Sudfield, Jake Rudock, Brandon Allen, Jeff Driskel, Zach Mettenberger, David Fales, Keith Wenning, Tajh Boyd, Tony Pike, Rusty Smith … you get the point I am making," Kaboly told Steelers fans. "Sure, he could be Brock Purdy, but odds say he will be more Chris Oladokun."
The list that Kaboly laid out was certainly sobering for Steelers fans, but the difference with Howard is clear—none of those quarterbacks Kaboly mentioned were as dominant in college as Howard was during his breakout season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft sixth-round selection and quarterback Will Howard prepares to throw a pass during the 2025 National Championship with Ohio State.
In 2024, Howard revitalized the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading them back from two devastating losses and guiding them on a historic run through the College Football Playoff. His confidence never wavered, and neither did his team’s belief in him. Without Howard under center, that magical postseason run likely never happens.
Steelers Believe They Got A Steal In QB Will Howard
What attracted the Steelers most was how Howard’s performance elevated under pressure. In the biggest moments—especially during the playoff stretch—he was poised, accurate, and remarkably efficient. Howard completed an impressive 73.1% of his passes in 2024, throwing for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. On top of his arm talent, he’s a legitimate dual-threat quarterback with notable speed, giving the Steelers something they’ve lacked at the position for years.
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Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft sixth-round pick quarterback Will Howard celebrating during a game.
Howard may have fallen to the sixth round, but he doesn’t see himself as a late-round flier. He firmly believes NFL teams made a mistake letting him slide, and he’s eager to prove 31 teams wrong. Like Tom Brady—another sixth-rounder with a chip on his shoulder—Howard’s self-belief is through the roof. While he won’t be the starter anytime soon, many Steelers fans already see him as one of the draft’s biggest steals. Most sixth-round picks arrive with minimal expectations. Howard is arriving with a spotlight.
What do you think of the Steelers taking Howard in the sixth round? Let us know in the comment section below.
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