The Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance — actually, four of them — to land Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they passed on the former Colorado star each time, opting to wait until late on Day 3 to address the quarterback position. When they finally made a move, it wasn’t for Sanders. It was Ohio State’s Will Howard, a sixth-round pick, who now joins a wide-open quarterback room in Pittsburgh.
With fans and analysts buzzing over the decision, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin finally weighed in during his post-draft press conference. His comments shed some light on why Pittsburgh took the route it did — and why they believe Howard fits the team’s DNA, even with the uncertainty still swirling around the quarterback position heading into offseason workouts.
Mike Tomlin, Arthur Smith Praise Will Howard’s ‘Leadership’
Tomlin pointed to Howard’s resilience during Ohio State’s turbulent 2024 campaign as a major selling point.
“I think, like a lot of people, how [Howard] responded to that adversity at the end of [Ohio State’s] regular season, and the leadership, and playmaking that he displayed throughout the playoffs was really attractive, and it’s really what NFL football is about,” Tomlin said. “There’s going to be some adversity. How you respond to it defines you and your football team, particularly from the quarterback position.”
The Steelers valued traits beyond raw talent in this draft cycle, especially at the quarterback position. While Sanders once looked like a sure-fire top-10 pick, questions about his game — and his dramatic slide to the fifth round, where division rival Cleveland scooped him up — spooked several front offices, Pittsburgh included.
The decision to take Howard at No. 185 signals a long-term view for the Steelers, who are still very much unsettled under center. Mason Rudolph is currently penciled in as QB1, with Skylar Thompson and now Howard rounding out the depth chart. Of course, the looming possibility of Aaron Rodgers entering the fold would change things.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also spoke highly of Howard’s potential, highlighting his big-game experience and personality.
“Obviously, we’re really excited to add Will to our quarterback room. Really impressive resume,” Smith told reporters. “He’s played in a lot of big games, and when I got a chance to meet with him and spend some time with him at his Pro Day, just came away even more impressed at the person that Will Howard is. We’re just excited to add to our quarterback room and have an opportunity to work with him.”
OC Arthur Smith speaks to the media about QB Will Howard: pic.twitter.com/FZnjSjSk48
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 26, 2025
For now, the Steelers are betting on leadership, toughness, and upside. Whether Howard develops into a legitimate NFL starter or provides depth behind a veteran remains to be seen. But by passing on Sanders multiple times, Pittsburgh made it clear they’re following a specific blueprint, not chasing headlines.
Howard Rewrites His Story at Ohio State — But Questions Remain in Pittsburgh
In his final year of eligibility, Howard transferred to Ohio State, where he revived what had been an up-and-down college career. He completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding seven rushing scores last season for the Buckeyes. Many believe Howard’s success was due in part to having Chip Kelly — one of college football’s top play-callers — as his offensive coordinator. Still, leading Ohio State to a national championship helped him gain credibility on the draft circuit.
Howard totaled 5,786 passing yards over four seasons at Kansas State — just 1,776 yards fewer than he posted in his one year at Ohio State.
“Howard passes the eye test. He’s big. He has decent functional mobility. And his arm has juice and angle freedom,” PFSN NFL Draft analyst Ian Cummings wrote in his scouting report on Howard. “He doesn’t have any elite traits apart from his size, but he’s accurate, efficient, and a good processor. As a backup or spot starter, he fits the bill.”
Pittsburgh doesn’t have a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, so Howard’s chances of becoming more than a backup in the Steel City appear slim.