Steelers Have Hidden Worry About Will Howard That Could Prevent Him From Turning Into A Starter

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Will Howard with the 185th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The sixth-round pick was a national champion at Ohio State, but found himself slipping towards the end of the draft. Fans and brass alike seem to have a lot of confidence in Howard based on his collegiate performances, despite never having played an NFL snap. Pittsburgh is still waiting on Aaron Rodgers, but it is trending towards him coming back, according to speculation. This puts Howard as a backup once again; however, he could be healthy for the preseason this go-around. 

Howard missed out on the preseason last year due to a finger injury. The young quarterback missed out on a lot of valuable snaps and the ability to show what he can do on a big stage. It seemed like Howard had a good camp in 2025, and being able to see him against other NFL talent would've been a great evaluation tool for the Steelers' coaches and front office. With the hiring of new head coach Mike McCarthy, there's a chance for Howard to really develop. 

McCarthy offered some words of encouragement to Howard during the NFL Coaches Breakfast. Even saying that, Howard would not have been there as late as the sixth round if he were the coach last year. McCarthy is widely known for his skill of getting the best out of all the signal-callers he coaches, and Howard could be no exception. 

The Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac talked about a glaring skill that Howard needs to work on to be a starter during an episode of the Chipped Ham & Football show. 

"What [Mike McCarthy] feels that Will Howard needs to do is he has to improve his footwork. Improve his footwork coming back from under center and out of the pocket. He talks about that all the time. You see Aaron Rodgers is so good at that. It's why he's Aaron Rodgers. I think those are the things they're looking for from Will Howard to be a successful starting quarterback," Dulac said. 

Since Howard hasn't gotten the reps or a full offseason of camp due to his injury, there are some things that the coaches want to see him work on. Howard is a rather raw prospect, but his intangibles, like his big frame and ability to win big games, make him so intriguing. McCarthy and his staff will continue to work with him on fundamentals, and he could be a diamond in the rough draft pick for Pittsburgh. 

The Black and Gold have yet to find their long-term quarterback for the future, and have been relying on "band-aids" under center the last few seasons. If Howard wants to be a candidate for the next Steelers quarterback, he'll have to continue to develop. His footwork will be a huge piece to that, and he has the perfect person to learn from if Rodgers signs back with the franchise. 

Steelers' Rodgers Can Continue To Be A Great Mentor For Howard

As Dulac mentioned, Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever when it comes to moving his feet and his pocket presence. Rodgers was there in 2025 to teach Howard, and if it can happen again in 2026, then that's even better. Howard can learn extremely valuable advice and skills from Rodgers. A future Hall of Famer is just what a young gunslinger needs to be successful. 

The Steelers will have to evaluate the future of the quarterback position after this season for sure. Howard could find himself making his case if his camp and preseason go well. Rodgers and McCarthy's teachings will be a great tool for him, and there is a real shot that he could be who the Steelers go with next, unless they decide on drafting one highly in 2027. The future is Howard's, and he's set up wonderfully in Pittsburgh. 

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