Steelers' Biggest Rival Likely Had Their Sights Set On New Quarterback Will Howard In 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers had many needs that had to be addressed during the 2025 offseason. One of which was wide receiver, but the organization resolved that quickly as it traded for and extended DK Metcalf before free agency even began. During the draft, Pittsburgh found some ways to bolster the run defense by selecting players like Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, and Yahya Black. The franchise also needed a new quarterback, and it found one in Will Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Howard made a name for himself during the 2024 college football season as he led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a victory in the National Championship. He took down most of the top teams in the country throughout the season, and he is viewed as a very mature and experienced quarterback entering the NFL. He doesn't have the high upside as some quarterbacks that typically get drafted higher, but he could be considered a diamond in the rough as a developmental prospect. 

The general manager for the Baltimore Ravens, Eric DeCosta, even seemed to have his eye on Howard as the Ravens pick approached. He spoke about this on The Lounge Podcast, where he would not confirm if the quarterback Baltimore was interested in was Howard.

"I mean I think there were a couple of guys we liked, one guy in particular that we liked on Day 3," DeCosta said. "You can go back and you can look at it, see all those guys that were drafted on Day 3 and try to figure it out. But there was definitely one guy we thought was kind of interesting as a Day 3 pick, we talked about it, but he got picked. But you know, it would have been a good prospect for us to develop."

Upon hearing this, everyone's first thought is going to be that the quarterback he is speaking of is Shedeur Sanders. However, that cannot be the case as Sanders was thought to be gone in the first round going into the draft. Baltimore is also a team that is competing to win a Super Bowl, and a likely distraction like Sanders is not going to be willingly brought into the locker room.

Howard was seen as a potential third-round pick, but most considered him to be a Day 3 selection. This makes him fit the criteria that DeCosta discussed, and the fact that the Ravens picked right after Pittsburgh. The Steelers drafted Howard with the 185th overall pick, while Baltimore selected a kicker in Tyler Loop with the 186th overall pick to come in and replace Justin Tucker. 

Other notable quarterbacks that could have been considered for Baltimore were Quinn Ewers, but the franchise had plenty of opportunities to pick him as he fell all the way to the seventh round. Kyle McCord could also have been in consideration as he was picked several selections ahead of Howard. If Howard can turn into anything more than a developmental quarterback for the Steelers, he would be able to showcase his skills against Baltimore twice a year, and maybe even be able to keep up with Lamar Jackson. 

Steelers Need To Put Effort Into Developing Will Howard

The Steelers have shown repeatedly that the organization struggles when developing quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett immediately comes to mind. Some of the other quarterbacks Pittsburgh has drafted over the years have also flamed out, with Mason Rudolph probably being the best of the bunch - which says a lot. 

The franchise needs to be deliberate with developing Howard, and make sure that he gets enough reps in practice, even if he is buried behind two quarterbacks on the depth chart.