The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with some big questions around the quarterback position, and there weren't a lot of clear answers given following its conclusion. While all of Steeler Nation continues to await the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, assuming it eventually happens, Mason Rudolph is the current penciled in starter.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph during practice.
Despite the team failing to get an early round quarterback like many have wanted, they did end up selecting Will Howard in the sixth round out of The Ohio State University. There have been some rave reviews about Howard now that the Steelers selected him, but it is yet to be determined if his success that led to him becoming a National Champion at the college level will translate to the NFL.
Whether or not many believe Howard possesses the upside to become a top tier quarterback in the NFL, there is no doubt that the landed spot he ended up in currently appears to present him plenty of opportunity. While interviewing with ESPN's Adam Rittenberg, Howard's former head coach, Ryan Day, admitted that he was incredibly relieved where his former quarterback ended up going, even if the wait was longer than most would hope.
"It's exciting, man, to see him go there, for their need, for their situation, it's a great opportunity for him," Day said on Howard landing with the Steelers. "You just get to the point where you just get stressed out because you don't know where it's going to be. You see these other guys getting drafted and just want to know where you're going to be. So I know those were a long couple days for him, but ultimately, a lot of relief knowing he's going to a great organization."
Day viewing the Steelers as a great organization is an opinion that many throughout all levels of football agree on. However, since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers haven't been an ideal landing spot for quarterbacks due to their conservative approach offensively and their hit or miss skill position groups throughout the last few seasons.
That hopefully is not coming to an end, as the Steelers' offensive opportunities should be one of the fastest rising in the NFL with the moves they made over the last few offseasons. Not only did the team invest heavily in the offensive line in recent draft classes, they also added a couple key skill players by trading for DK Metcalf and drafting Kaleb Johnson.
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Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson during a collegiate game with Iowa.
Howard working with a top tier athlete on the perimeter in the previously mentioned Metcalf should remind him of the explosiveness from some of his playmakers in his final college season. Throwing to a player like that makes a quarterback's job a little easier as trusting your wide receiver will make the play, even when there isn't significant separation, is a great quality to have.
It isn't clear at this point if Howard is someone that was drafted to truly develop to be a realistic long-term option, or if they drafted him as a high floor option that can round out the backend of the quarterback room. However, the encouraged relief an established coach in Day felt by having his signal-caller end up in the Black and Gold should be a good sign for both Howard and the team.
Steelers Need To Get Offense All On The Same Page To Help Their Quarterback In 2025
On paper, the Steelers' offensive skill players should be improved in 2025 compared to 2024. However, if the team isn't able to all mesh and take a step forward as a group, it could lead to an inconsistent offense once again.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf during his time with the Seahawks.
Bringing in Metcalf should be a huge help to the offense in all facets, as he has been viewed in the past as an elite athlete that just needs to put the pieces together.
Is Ryan Day being relieved that Will Howard ended up being with the Steelers a justified reaction? Let us know in the comments below!
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