With the Pittsburgh Steelers still waiting on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the team is moving on. Pittsburgh currently has an unknown future at the most important position in the NFL. More than likely, the team is leaning towards the young Will Howard to start.
Howard has a lot to prove as the 2026 NFL season moves closer. He is taking the first team reps during the organization’s minicamp. He has been watched under the eye of head coach Mike McCarthy.
But who is Will Howard?
Analyzing the Development of Will Howard
College and Early Pro Career
Howard has had a decorated collegiate career. This also included a national championship with Ohio State. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. But many analysts and fans do not know what he can do in the NFL.
The second-year player spent the entire 2025 NFL season on injured reserve after sustaining an injury in the preseason. However, during the season, he was mentored by Rodgers himself. The team felt that the future Hall of Famer helped speed up Howard’s development.
However, due to the injury he had, analysts and coaches could not diagnose his game. He never took the field afterwards, and many question what he could do. If Rodgers does not return, expect Howard to be the Week 1 starter. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph is a valuable option, too. But he is good as a substitute.
Will Howard’s Profile and Mechanics
Howard will currently hold the top spot for now. But his position is considered to be on hold. With the 2026 NFL draft soon approaching, there are rumors that the Steelers could be on the hunt for a new quarterback.
Standing at 6 ‘4 and 235 pounds, he played four years at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State. The 2024 NCAA season saw him lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. He also earned the CPF National Championship Offensive MVP.
Many young quarterbacks can get anxious when the pocket around them collapses. But Howard has a hidden strength of having a great adjusted completion rate under pressure (73.2%). He uses his frame to barrel forward for first downs.
Concerns of Howard
He has been known to stand in the pocket and absorb a hit and still get the ball out. In McCarthy’s system, it relies heavily on timing. Howard can also throw the football hard. He loves to throw the ball deep, which has led to monumental success. Taking these hits can negatively disrupt his rhythm. It can also lead to injuries.
Although he lacks the strength of a typical quarterback arm, he is a leader at heart. He processes the game of football at a fast pace. Howard is also extremely accurate. This is evident in his 73% completion rate in college.
Reflection
The Steelers are also working on rebuilding their offensive line. This was a key struggle for them in 2025. If they can do that, this will give whoever the quarterback is time to make an accurate throw. Whoever will be behind center must be prepared that the team is in a difficult stage. Pittsburgh must revamp the roster to have a chance in the AFC.
