Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, I was dead set on the idea that the Pittsburgh Steelers would walk away with an obvious name at quarterback—maybe someone like Shedeur Sanders or Jalen Miroe. But Will Howard?
He was not on my radar. But sometimes, the move you never expect ends up changing everything. I must admit—I was wrong.
I am glad I was.
The Steelers waited patiently and scooped up Howard in the sixth round at pick No. 185. While other teams scrambled for flashy names early on, Omar Khan stuck to the blueprint, loading up on big, physical prospects before finally adding Howard—a true winner and, maybe, the best-kept secret of the draft.
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Howard's résumé speaks volumes. A National Champion with Ohio State and a Big 12 Title run with Kansas State? That’s rare. But what caught my attention was something Jon Gruden said during Gruden Camp—he compared Will Howard to Josh Allen.
The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the steal of the 2025 NFL Draft in Will Howard
At first, I laughed it off. But then I watched the tape. The build, the athleticism, the arm strength, the off-script mobility—it’s not a ridiculous take.
Howard stands 6'4", 231 pounds, and is dubbed a dual-threat QB. He has deceptive wheels and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. His game flashes moments of Allen’s raw physicality and creative playmaking. It is lofty praise, but it is not just about talent. It is about his mentality.
Howard has an infectious energy. He is that guy in the huddle you want to follow. He brings the vocal leadership of Russell Wilson, with a pinch of Ben Roethlisberger’s on-field composure. That kind of combo is rare, especially for a sixth-rounder.
I do not expect Howard to be thrown into the fire immediately. He needs time. But if the Steelers do things right—develop him under a winning system and surround him with talent—he could become something special.
When was the last time we felt hopeful about a rookie Steelers quarterback?
Will Howard isn’t just a lottery pick. He’s a piece of the bigger picture. If that Josh Allen comparison ever materializes, the league better be on alert.