The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft selection of Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round has sparked plenty of debate. Taken with their No. 185 overall pick, his journey to the NFL has been anything but straightforward.
While some projects him as a potential player who could make an impact for the Steelers, others consider him a long-term project and one with a lot to prove.
Analysts Debate Will Howard’s Role With the Steelers: Immediate Impact or Developmental Project?
Analyst Sam Block from The Block Spot didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“Will Howard falling to 6th Round is absolutely outrageous. An absolute DAWG. He will be ELITE in the NFL for the Steelers,” Block said. He claimed Howard was “an absolute DAWG” and predicting he’ll be “elite” in the NFL for the Steelers.
Did the #Steelers find a gem in OSU Quarterback Will Howard?
(via: @theblockspot) pic.twitter.com/fpzLXusH00
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 1, 2025
The Steelers’ decision to draft Howard in the sixth round raised a lot of concerns, more importantly, since there were a lot of concerns, they might have targeted a higher-profile QB like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders with their first-round pick at No. 21.
Instead, they choose to addressed their defensive needs early by selecting a promising defensive tackle, as noted in an ESPN draft analysis from last month. By the time the sixth round rolled around, Pittsburgh saw hidden values in Howard, a player with undeniable talent but also an obvious question mark.
Block’s take on Howard is optimistic, to say the least. Labelling him a “DAWG,” Block believes Howard has what it takes to thrive in the NFL. He pointed to his competitive aura, comparing him to legends like Tom Brady, who also started as a sixth-round pick.
His confidence in Howard’s future with the Steelers is rooted in the belief that the QB’s college success was not just a product of Ohio State’s stacked roster but a reflection of his personal abilities.
KEEP READING: Ex-Ohio State QB Will Howard’s NFL Draft Moment With His Dog Is Stealing Hearts
However, not everyone will share the blocks’ perspective. Howard’s combined performance exposed his mechanics’ flaws, particularly his accuracy on deep throws. Scouts also noted that while he showed poise in big games, his consistency was a concern.
For a Steelers team looking to strengthen its QB condition, Howard might not be ready to step in right away, with veterans like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields potentially in the roster, Howard could spend his rookie year learning the ropes rather than seeing the field.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
