Analyst links Ohio State's Will Howard with QB-needy AFC North club amid uncertainty

While numerous reports have indicated the Pittsburgh Steelers would like to add future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers and Colorado star Shedeur Sanders to their quarterback room this spring, there was no guarantee as of the second Monday of April that either will be with the club at the end of the month. 

For an article published on Monday, Derrik Klassen of The Athletic suggested that Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could view Ohio State signal-caller Will Howard as a consolation prize depending on what happens before and during the upcoming draft. 

"Howard, if nothing else, fits Arthur Smith’s offense," Klassen explained. "He is not someone who should be a high-volume passer, which already leans into Smith’s run-first approach. Additionally, Howard’s best traits are his size and arm talent, which allows him to comfortably throw down the field, as well as ample athletic ability for a player his size. Smith’s entire play-action and boot menu would be open with Howard at quarterback."

Howard certainly isn't lacking confidence heading into the draft. Per Elizabeth Merrill of ESPN, the reigning national champion recently insisted he believes he's "the best quarterback in this class." Additionally, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has referred to Howard as "a young Josh Allen." 

Despite the high praise from a big name such as Gruden, ESPN's Ben Solak projected in a piece posted on April 9 that Howard wouldn't be selected before the sixth round of the draft. Solak added that he "could see Howard" having a career similar to what journeyman Jacoby Brissett has produced in the NFL. 

"It’s hard to imagine Howard developing the down-to-down accuracy and play speed to really thrive as an NFL starter," Klassen continued, "but Smith’s offense in Pittsburgh at least would give Howard a chance to hide his weaknesses and lean into his strengths."

In an odd twist, it's possible that the New Orleans Saints could steal Rodgers from Pittsburgh and then make Sanders the ninth overall pick of the draft unless the Steelers make a trade to move up from the 21st overall selection for Sanders. Barring such a development, Pittsburgh will likely want to sit a project such as Howard or a different rookie behind a veteran (Rodgers or longtime backup Mason Rudolph) until further notice.