As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2025 training camp, all eyes are naturally on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But while the future Hall of Famer will command much of the spotlight, the team’s sixth-round rookie, Will Howard, may be the true long-term focus behind the scenes. A recent revelation from general manager Omar Khan hints at a calculated decision that goes far beyond draft value.
Steelers GM Omar Khan Details Why Pittsburgh Chose QB Will Howard in the Draft
The Steelers made headlines earlier this offseason by signing Rodgers to a one-year, $13.65 million deal following two underwhelming seasons with the New York Jets. While the expectation is that Rodgers starts in 2025, Pittsburgh’s front office is clearly thinking beyond just one year. And in Will Howard, Khan believes the Steelers have found something special, even if few saw it coming.
Omar Khan & Mike Tomlin are geniuses for drafting The Ohio State National Champion Will Howard 😮💨#HEREWEGO pic.twitter.com/U519z3n5u0
— ŘĮ (@UDONTKNOWRI) April 28, 2025
Howard, who transferred to Ohio State after a four-year stint at Kansas State, wasn’t projected to go early in the draft. But that didn’t stop the Steelers from making him their sixth-round selection with the 185th overall pick. Many pundits have since labeled him one of the steals of the 2025 NFL Draft. Khan shed light on the thought process behind selecting him, citing the quarterback’s intangible leadership qualities and football intelligence.
“We did lots of homework on him,” Khan said. “I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with him through the process and getting to know him. Just can’t say enough about what he meant to that Ohio State team. The fact that he was able to just really take charge of that offense and that team in a lot of ways, it’s just really, really impressive.”
Howard’s 2024 campaign with Ohio State backs up Khan’s praise. He passed for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns during the season, guiding Ohio State to a national title and finishing as the Big Ten’s leader in both statistics. Yet questions about his earlier inconsistency at Kansas State caused him to slip to Day 3 of the draft.
Howard Embraces Aaron Rodgers’ Mentorship in Rookie Season
Howard’s draft position now seems secondary, especially with Rodgers personally investing in his development. Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Howard described what it has been like working alongside the veteran quarterback:
“He’s already given me tips, little things here and there, in the meeting room, on the field, in my drops, different little things,” said Howard.
Howard praised Rodgers for being open, supportive and available from the very start.
“He’s been so awesome to me so far,” Howard continued. “I think we already in this past week meshed really well, hit it off. I think we got a good vibe, good group.”
Though he acknowledged that trying to replicate Rodgers’ mechanics would be a mistake, Howard emphasized his eagerness to learn.
“Obviously I can’t do the things that he can do mechanically, so I don’t want to replicate that too much because that’s pretty unique,” Howard said. “But, for the most part, everything I can learn from that guy is invaluable. So I’m like as much as you want to pour into me.”
With Rodgers expected to start for the 2025 season, Howard is not likely to see much game action. However, his developmental role under one of the game’s most experienced quarterbacks may prove to be the most important chapter of his rookie year. If he maximizes this opportunity, the Steelers could walk away with far more than just a late-round flier.
