Will Howard, a quarterback from Ohio State, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 185th overall pick. Despite being projected by some as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, Howard fell to the sixth round, which surprised some given his successful final college season where he led Ohio State to a national championship and posted strong statistics (4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 73% completion rate)

. Several factors contributed to Howard dropping to the sixth round:

• Inconsistent Combine Performance: Howard had a notably poor passing workout at the NFL Scouting Combine, including a viral video of him overthrowing receivers, which generated negative attention and may have hurt his draft stock

• Quarterback Depth and Competition: The Steelers already had a competitive quarterback room including Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, and were also waiting on the free-agent decision of veteran Aaron Rodgers, which could limit Howard’s immediate opportunities

• Developmental Prospect Status: While Howard has a strong college resume and physical tools (6-foot-4, 236 pounds), he is viewed as a developmental quarterback who needs to improve consistency and decision-making to succeed at the NFL level

Despite these challenges, Howard was enthusiastic about joining the Steelers, expressing a strong desire to play for the team and respect for head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. He sees the opportunity as a chance to grow and compete, regardless of whether Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh

. In summary, Howard’s drop to the sixth round was influenced by his uneven combine showing, the Steelers’ existing quarterback situation, and his status as a developmental player, but he remains confident and motivated to prove himself in Pittsburgh