The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round (185th overall) of the NFL draft. This marks the team’s first quarterback selection since 2022, when they drafted Kenny Pickett and Chris Oladokun.
The Steelers plan on taking four quarterbacks to training camp, leaving one spot open as they await Aaron Rodgers’ decision. However, Steelers owner Art Rooney II says that adding Rodgers is a possibility, citing productive talks with the former Green Bay quarterback.
Howard, a national championship-winning quarterback, impressed the Steelers with his play during the playoffs and his ability to perform under pressure. He completed 73% of his attempts in 2024, second only to Shedeur Sanders among FBS quarterbacks.
The Steelers have also drafted Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer in the fourth round this year, making Howard the second Buckeyes player selected by the team. In a post-draft interview, Howard expressed his excitement about joining the team and working with coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“I’m not going to forecast the ifs and whens regarding not only him, but any other potential free agent,” said Coach Tomlin. “We’ve had really productive talks with him, and I’ve enjoyed having productive talks with him and getting to know him.”
Howard, who has played for Kansas State and Ohio State, is expected to be a developmental project as he joins the Steelers. Despite this, he is embracing the challenge and looking forward to learning and growing with the team.
“I don’t do things half in,” Howard said. “I go all in, and I have every expectation that this next step with the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be amazing for me.”
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44871546/steelers-waiting-aaron-rodgers-pick-howard-nfl-draft