Steelers Select Will Howard In Sixth Round Of NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard with the 185th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard looked like a polished passer at times last season, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. He pairs his good mechanics and accuracy with the mobility needed to make plays on the run. As a senior, he ultimately led the Big 10 in completion percentage (73%), passing yards (4,010), and passing touchdowns (35). This selection is particularly intriguing because Howard could have a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job. Pittsburgh's quarterback room currently features Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, neither of whom has extensive starting experience at the NFL level.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard will both play in the 2025 Senior Bowl ahead of the NFL draft in April. In addition to Howard and Leonard, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Louisville QB Tyler Shough will be putting their talents on display. Howard, 23, won the national title for the Buckeyes and threw for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions in four playoff games to potentially boost his draft stock in scouts' eyes. He had the best year of his collegiate career at Ohio State in 2024 after spending his first three seasons at Kansas State. Howard completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards and 35 TDs in 16 games. In a weak QB draft class, Howard could boost his stock even further with a strong Senior Bowl performance and could become a second-round selection in April.
Will Howard
• QB
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Steelers
