The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the 2025 NFL Draft with clear priorities, and when all was said and done, they addressed nearly every one of them. But no pick felt more like the final piece to a well-thought-out puzzle than their selection of quarterback Will Howard with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round.
It was not a flashy headline grabber, but the kind of thoughtful, value-based GM Omar Khan's signature.
READ MORE: Steelers’ third-round steal has Arthur Smith grinning ear to ear
Let’s be honest—Pittsburgh’s need for a gunslinger was the elephant in the room. While the defense continues to be the backbone of the franchise, fans were still left wondering: Who’s the future under center?
With question marks surrounding the current depth chart, the quarterback room needed attention. Waiting until the sixth round was risky, but that makes Will Howard's selection a powerful statement.
Will Howard is the perfect sixth-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback room
Howard, the former Ohio State quarterback, might not have had the loudest pre-draft buzz, but I love what he brings. He is a confident, mature leader who carries himself like a pro. He showed growth throughout his college career, especially when the lights were brightest.
He is resilient in the pocket, makes smart decisions under pressure, and blends seamlessly into a winning culture.
For Pittsburgh, he is not just a depth piece. Howard is a developmental project with a ceiling worth investing in. He doesn’t need to start right away. This is beautiful. The Steelers have time, and Howard has the tools. His accuracy, composure, and quiet confidence fit in black and gold.
What makes this pick shine is how it capped off a draft that already addressed holes in the trenches. First-rounder Derrick Harmon (No. 21), followed by Jack Sawyer (No. 123) and Yahya Black (No. 164), give the defensive front a fresh, aggressive look. Then, with a cool head and a patient hand, Khan grabbed the quarterback fans were hoping for without overreaching.
The 2025 NFL Draft was a draft that balanced urgency with patience, flash with substance. Omar Khan deserves a standing ovation. Will Howard may not be the headline today, but do not be surprised when he becomes part of Pittsburgh’s story tomorrow.