It did not take long for the critics to speak up about the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to select quarterback Will Howard. And they've got it all wrong.
Just days after Omar Khan selected the former Ohio State quarterback with the 185th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, former NFL journeyman QB and current podcast host Chase Daniel took to The Facility on Fox to issue one of the most puzzling evaluations of the weekend. According to Daniel, Howard is a 'D' fit for Pittsburgh. Ouch.
"This dude's a developmental prospect. That's why I gave it a 'D'," Daniels explained. "I don't think Will Howard could come in and go right away. The Steelers had a chance at Shedeur Sanders, they had a chance at Jalen Milroe, they had a chance at all these guys. I think this was a draft pick like, 'Hey, we think Will Howard can at most be a back for years to come,' so that's why I gave it a 'D'."
I’ve got to be honest—I couldn’t disagree more.
The Steelers were never looking for an immediate starter at quarterback in this draft. It was obvious from how they utilized early picks to bolster the defense. Yes, there is uncertainty under the center. Fans and experts panicked. Yet, Omar Khan had to be patient to land a promising quarterback for the best value.
When Will Howard was still sitting in the sixth round, Pittsburgh made a smart move and pulled the trigger. In return, they received a former national champion, an athletic and versatile playmaker, and an eager learner with leadership qualities.
Pittsburgh Steelers should ignore Chase Daniels' critique on Will Howard
Daniel’s primary critique? Howard is a 'developmental quarterback' who, in his words, 'can’t come in and go right away.' Well… that’s the point.
The Steelers don’t need him to play right away. If anything, that developmental label is a positive. Pittsburgh has time to mold him into a future contributor. Exactly what you want in a late-round QB pick.
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But what really made me raise an eyebrow was Daniel giving Cleveland an 'A' for selecting Shedeur Sanders after drafting Dillon Gabriel. This logic feels inconsistent at best. One team takes a flyer on a high-upside QB with time to grow and gets criticized, while another drafts two in the same cycle and earns praise.
Look, I respect Chase Daniel’s long NFL tenure and his experience, but I think he missed the mark here. Will Howard offers size, mobility, leadership, and toughness. He’s in a stable organization that knows how to develop talent the right way.
I don’t expect Howard to play in 2025—and if he does, it’s probably because he’s turned into the steal I believe he can be. The fit in Pittsburgh? I’d give it a solid 'A.'