Pittsburgh Steelers Select Ohio State QB Will Howard in Sixth Round of 2025 NFL Draft

In a significant move during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have chosen Will Howard, a quarterback from Ohio State, with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round. This decision marks a strategic enhancement to their quarterback lineup, joining other notable players including former Kansas State teammate Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph. The last time the Steelers drafted a quarterback was in 2022 when they selected Kenny Pickett, indicating a renewed focus on bolstering their roster in the wake of changes in their QB lineup. Howard arrives with an impressive track record, boasting a commendable performance in college football where he completed 73% of his passes, amassing over 4,010 yards, throwing 35 touchdowns, and only ten interceptions last season. His statistics place him among the top FBS quarterbacks, notably second in completion percentage behind Shedeur Sanders. Beyond his numbers, Howard's experience and success culminated in a national championship win with the Buckeyes, further evidenced by him being named the offensive MVP in the national championship game. Steelers' coaches expressed their enthusiasm about Howard, emphasizing his capability to perform in high-stakes moments. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith highlighted his critical plays during pressure situations, reflecting the trust the organization seeks to place in him. Howard's past includes four seasons at Kansas State where he threw for nearly 10,000 yards—a solid foundation that he brings to a Steelers team currently navigating uncertainty at the quarterback position amidst speculation over Aaron Rodgers’ potential signing. As the Steelers aim to solidify their quarterback room—in which they plan to take four players to training camp—Howard represents both a developmental prospect and a potential future leader at the position. His visibility and readiness to embrace a developmental role marks a mature outlook that could resonate well within the organization's culture. This draft strategy by the Steelers reflects an understanding of both short-term needs and long-term ambitions as they look to strike the right balance in their roster to build a competitive team for the upcoming season—a necessity as they enter a challenging season following last year's Wild Card playoff exit. Overall, the Steelers have marked their commitment to not just filling gaps but also fostering young talent that can grow and adapt within their system. With an eye on the future, Howard’s success will heavily depend on the coaching he receives and the environment in Pittsburgh, but if he can mimic his collegiate success, he could help usher in a new era for the Steelers’ quarterback position.