Will Howard walked into the Pittsburgh Steelers facility as a sixth-round pick with everything stacked against him. First-round quarterbacks can struggle to make it in the NFL. Sixth-rounders? They’re fighting an uphill battle from day one. But Howard’s situation gets even tougher when you factor in Aaron Rodgers holding down the starting job and a loaded 2026 quarterback class waiting in the wings.
What Did Ben Roethlisberger Really Say About Will Howard’s Chances in Pittsburgh?
On his latest episode of “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,” Ben Roethlisberger didn’t sugarcoat Howard’s reality. The former Steelers legend laid out exactly what the rookie quarterback is facing.
“Will Howard’s behind the eight ball big-time,” Roethlisberger said. “Like he’s going to have to play this year. He’s going to have to come in like this year or it’s going to have to be like, ‘Holy cow, this dude can play.'”
That’s the harsh truth from someone who knows what it takes to succeed in Pittsburgh. Howard doesn’t have the luxury of time that most quarterbacks get to develop.
Despite the pressure, Howard brings solid credentials to the table. He posted a 22-6 record over his final two seasons as a starter with Kansas State and Ohio State. His 2024 campaign was powerful, going 14-2 as a starter while throwing for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. That season ended with Howard leading the Buckeyes to a national championship.
However, once the pre-draft process began, concerns emerged about his consistency and ability to process information as plays developed. A film study revealed multiple instances where Howard relied on his cannon arm to squeeze passes through tight coverages rather than making the smart read. His underwhelming NFL Combine performance sealed his fate, dropping him from third or fourth-round consideration to the sixth round.
The Steelers, however, believe they found a steal in Howard. Pittsburgh’s front office values his command in the huddle and his personality over the technical deficiencies that can be addressed through practice and repetition. The arm talent is already there. Now it’s about harnessing that ability and refining the mental side of his game.
What Path Does Howard Have to Becoming a Starter?
Reports indicate that Aaron Rodgers is open to mentoring Howard throughout the season. Learning from a future Hall of Famer is invaluable experience for any young quarterback. But unless Rodgers suffers an injury, Howard’s chances of seeing regular-season action are minimal.
Beyond an injury to Rodgers, Howard’s survival into 2026 and beyond depends on one specific scenario. If Rodgers leads the Steelers to a 12 or 13-win season and a deep playoff run, Pittsburgh would presumably be picking too late in the draft to land one of the top quarterbacks from the strong 2026 class. Even then, the team could still target a quarterback toward the end of the first round.
Howard’s status remains precarious regardless of how much the organization likes his personality and moxie. He needs to catch a break and deliver exceptional football when given the opportunity. The window for proving himself is narrow, and the competition for his roster spot will only intensify with each passing season.
