Steelers Rookie Jack Sawyer Shares Surprising Thoughts On Will Howard's Draft Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially began their rookie minicamp on Friday, with fans eager to get a glimpse of the team's 2025 draft class. With standout defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and multiple other players putting on a Steelers uniform for the first time, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will be able to get a preview as to what they may expect from the young stars going into training camp. With thousands of fans showcasing their excitement towards the start of rookie minicamp all throughout social media, no Steelers player received a higher praise than former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. 

Howard, who was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was an elite and superstar-caliber quarterback in college, where he played five seasons between Kansas State and Ohio State. After leading the Buckeyes to a National Championship last season with fellow Steelers rookie Jack Sawyer, Howard reportedly flashed major potential during the NFL Combine, ultimately earning himself the right to be drafted. With Howard's recent success and veteran presence at the college level, many believe that the former Buckeye was one of the top steals of the draft. No one, however, may firmly believe it more than Sawyer.

"Yeah, I was. I was surprised he was still there," Sawyer stated. "Will is everything you want in a quarterback. You know what I mean? Obviously I'm biased because I won a National Championship with him, but you know he's confident, he presents himself well, he handles himself well, and he goes about preparation really hard like I haven't seen from anyone else. Will is a great guy and a great leader, and I think he's going to have a great career."

Sawyer, who was drafted by the Steelers with the 123rd pick in the fourth round, is a very strong and talented linebacker that brings tons of unlocked potential to Pittsburgh. Spending all four years of his college career as a Buckeye, Sawyer is credited with a total of 144 combined tackles and 6 forced fumbles during his time in Columbus. Sawyer played a major role in Ohio State's National Championship run last season, where he most notably laid a massive hit on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers resulting in an 83-yard game-sealing scoop and score in the College Football Playoff.

Steelers' Starting QB Questions Remain

Both Howard and Sawyer may prove to become major additions to the Steelers, as Howard finds himself in a depleted QB room competing with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson for Pittsburgh's QB1 role. If the Steelers leave the current QB situation as is and don't ultimately end up signing another veteran, Howard is expected to begin the season as Pittsburgh's backup quarterback behind Rudolph. Sawyer, who is expected to play a situational role on the Steelers' defense this upcoming season, should add a level of physicality that last year's defense was lacking. The former Ohio State star should benefit greatly by learning from experienced players like TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Sawyer is expected to spend time on the special teams unit to start the season as well.

With Steelers fans finally getting their first glimpse at Pittsburgh's 2025 rookie class, questions surrounding the current state of the QB room remain a major topic of discussion. A strong overall performance from Howard in camp may change everything, as Pittsburgh could potentially replace Rudolph at the top of the depth chart. Sawyer, who is expected to shine and showcase his true potential with Watt and Highsmith as his mentors, is a future star in the making who many thought was one of the top steals of the draft alongside Howard. 

With Day 2 of rookie minicamp officially underway, fans will be able to get another look at their potential starting QB and the rest of the 2025 rookie class.

What do you think about the Steelers' 2025 draft class? Should Howard get a chance at the starting QB role? Comment below!

#SteelerNation