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Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Receives Familiar NFL Comparison

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:46 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers opted to not draft a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL draft. Instead, they chose to wait until the sixth round, where they drafted former Ohio State standout quarterback Will Howard, who is fresh off of leading his team to a national championship win.

Howard has a bright future ahead of him and a lot of talent to work with. If the Steelers can develop him to his full potential, they may have gotten a huge steal.

Jon Gruden certainly thinks Howard is a steal for Pittsburgh.

Throughout the 2024 college football season with the Buckeyes, Howard completed 73.1% of his pass attempts for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also flashes solid athleticism, rushing for 226 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

What kind of quarterback could Howard become? An intriguing and familiar comparison has been made for the young signal caller.

Bleacher Report NFL scout Dame Parson previously revealed that Howard's NFL comparison is none other than current Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph. He also offered an overall summary of what the former Ohio State star brings to the field.

"Overall, Will Howard has the tools and abilities teams look for in a developmental prospect. He offers an NFL skill set but projects as a backup behind a veteran," Parson wrote. "Howard's flashes of passing upside, along with his rushing ability, will be enticing to an NFL franchise later in the draft."

Parson may not see big-time starting potential in Howard, but there are many others who could see that exact scenario happening.

Rudolph is a very good backup quarterback in the NFL. At the very least, Howard should be able to fill that role for the foreseeable future in Pittsburgh with higher upside potential.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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